As soon as he reached the southern bank of the Kollidam, Azhwarkkadiyan turned westward. He saw that, due to the breach in the Kollidam, the land everywhere had become a vast floodplain. Yet, it seemed that the water level in the Kollidam was receding; even in the areas where the floodwaters had spread, the water was draining away swiftly. At last, he reached Thiruppurambayam. He was astonished to see that, despite the heavy flooding, that town alone had remained unaffected. He thought to himself, “Perhaps this is why the legend arose that, when the world was submerged in the primeval deluge, only Thiruppurambayam remained above water.” With this thought, he approached the forest near the temple.

Though many trees had been uprooted and fallen due to the storm, the forest was still dense enough to offer him the concealment he needed. As he peered through the thicket, he saw three men and a woman standing and conversing at the entrance of the temple. Looking closely, he realized that all of them were people he had seen before. These three men had been among those who had first gathered in this very forest to plot their conspiracy. One was Soman Sambavan, another was Kramavithan, and the third was Idumbankari. The woman was the wife of Murugaiyan, the boatman. Among them, Idumbankari seemed to be telling the others something. The news appeared to fill them with excitement.

“All right! In that case, let us also set out at once for the foot of the Pachai Hills. It will take us two days to get there,” said Soman Sambavan, and these words reached Azhwarkkadiyan’s ears.

Thinking he should leave before they did, Azhwarkkadiyan turned to go. Suddenly, he was startled to see a small dagger pointed at his chest. The hand holding it, he realized with relief, was Poonguzhali’s. Their surprise gave way to smiles as they recognized each other.

After the conspirators had left, Azhwarkkadiyan asked, “Poonguzhali! How did you come here from Thanjavur? For what purpose?”

“I have come to avenge a wrong,” Poonguzhali replied.

“What wrong? For what reason?” “One among these men is the wretch who murdered my aunt and fled. I pursued that criminal without letting him escape, and caught up to him here. But three others had already arrived before him. Among them, when I saw my elder brother’s wife, I was struck dumb with shock! At that very moment, you came and intervened! Now, what can I do? If you are willing to help me, let us not lose sight of them. I will follow them, slay the one who killed my aunt, and return!” she said.

“Alas! Poor soul! Your aunt—do you mean that mute queen, Mandakini? Why would one of these men kill her?” asked Azhwarkkadiyan.

“She was not killed by design. The spear that was meant for the Emperor, she took upon herself!” she replied.

“Oh! Is that so? The mute queen gave her life to save the Emperor? How did all this