Azhwarkkadiyan, who had so far kept his men hidden, now gathered them together and started walking towards the northern gate of the Thanjai fort. Readers may have already guessed the reason why he did not summon his men when he fought that fierce battle with Karuthiruman. Is it any wonder that he did not wish such crucial and secret information, which he was so determined to uncover, to reach the ears of others?

After he had gone about halfway, he saw a lone man running towards him like one possessed. The man, rushing in the darkness, collided with Azhwarkkadiyan, and then tried to run off again. But Thirumalai Nambi seized him firmly and would not let go. Staring closely at his face, he exclaimed, “Ah! The physician’s son? Where are you running off to in such a panic?”

“Oh! A brave Vaishnavite, is it? I was frightened, thinking you were a ghost or a demon. Good! How far have you come along this bank? Did you see two men riding past on horseback?”

“Yes, I did! Why do you ask about them?”

“Why do I ask? That’s a fine question! If you knew who they were, you wouldn’t ask such a thing! Didn’t you recognize at least one of them?”

“One of them did seem familiar to me, but…”

“Who, who, who did he seem like?”

“He looked like Vandiyathevan. But I decided that couldn’t possibly be.”

“Oh, you wretch! So that’s what you decided! It was Vandiyathevan himself, in the flesh!”

“What are you saying? Are you raving? Wasn’t Vandiyathevan in the underground prison?”

“He was; but not anymore! Vandiyathevan and another madman have escaped from prison. After tying me up, they ran away.”

“Ah! Good for them! But what were your hands doing when they tied you up? And first, why did you go to the underground prison at all?” “I went on the orders of the Prime Minister; there’s no time now to recount all that. Aren’t you also someone who serves the Prime Minister? Come with me! We can catch them and bring them back!…”

“Why should we catch them and bring them back? Let them run away if they wish! What does it matter to you or me?”

“The Prime Minister has managed to keep a good man in his service! If everyone were like you, this Chola kingdom would surely fall to pieces! Don’t you know that Vandiyathevan stands accused of murdering Prince Karikalan? Not only that; just a short while ago, near Amudhan’s hut, he stabbed another man with his spear and then fled…”

“Heavens! What is this? Who was the one stabbed there?”

“I didn’t see who it was. I ran after Vandiyathevan… Fine, fine; if you won’t come with me, then don’t! Don’t block my way! May you earn merit for your troubles! Let me go!”

“Physician’s son! I have seen many fools in this world. You have outdone them all! They ride off on horseback. They risk death and flee.