The boat in which Vandiyathevan had bound Azhwarkkadiyan floated a short distance along the river’s current and then drifted to the shore. The two soldiers who had been swept away by the river’s flood stumbled their way to the bank and reached the spot where the boat had come to rest. Azhwarkkadiyan did not get down from the boat. Remaining as though still bound, he instructed the others to stay hidden.

The truth was, Azhwarkkadiyan’s intention was that Vandiyathevan and Karuthiruman should escape. He knew that this was also the wish of the Prime Minister. Since both of them were presently in Thanjavur, it would become necessary to investigate many past incidents. Neither the Prime Minister nor Azhwarkkadiyan had any doubt that Vandiyathevan was innocent. Yet, even the act of conducting an inquiry would bring about many troubles. Many would be distressed. If such talk reached the ears of the people, it could lead to disaster. Arulmozhi Varman would lose a precious friend, and the Chola kingdom would lose a valiant and wise statesman. The Prime Minister was well aware of Kundavai’s state of mind regarding Vandiyathevan, as well as Manimekalai’s open interest. Considering all this, it was decided that it would be best, at this time, to help Vandiyathevan escape.

After discovering the horses in Sendhan Amudhan’s garden, Vandiyathevan and Karuthiruman would surely travel along the banks of the Vadavaru, or so Thirumalai Nambi expected. As Karuthiruman had said, if they followed the riverbank, they could go as far as the place where it joined the Pamani river. That would be halfway to Kodikkarai. So it was certain they would come that way. Azhwarkkadiyan waited there, planning to intercept them on their journey and send a message to Vandiyathevan.

More time had passed than he had anticipated. “Perhaps we were mistaken; maybe they took another route; or perhaps something unexpected has happened,” he decided. Just as Thirumalai was about to get down from the boat and climb onto the shore, he heard the sound of horses’ hooves in the distance. So, once again, he lay down as though he were still bound.

As the horses drew near, he called out, “Ho there! Who is it? Please wait a moment! Untie me before you go!” Yet the horses did not stop; they sped on without pause. The man riding the first horse—he saw clearly—was Karuthiruman. Therefore, as the second horse drew near, he shouted loudly, “Vandiyatheva! Vandiyatheva! Stop for a moment!”

But the second horse too galloped past without halting. At that instant, Azhwarkkadiyan caught a glimpse of the rider atop it. He was plunged into a sea of bewilderment. “Something is wrong with my eyes; my mind is deceiving me,” he muttered.

After passing him by, the horses went a short distance before coming to a halt. Only one horse turned back. Karuthiruman dismounted and approached the boat.

“Poor fellow! Are you still bound? You have helped us so much! At the very least, let me untie you as