Once the procession of the minor chieftains, led by the Pazhuvettaraiyars, had passed, Azhwarkkadiyan, along with his men, walked towards Sendhan Amudhan’s flower garden. Near the garden, somewhat concealed beneath the shade of a tree, stood the palanquin of Prince Madurantaka and the bearers who carried it. Upon inquiry, Azhwarkkadiyan learned that, as per the prince’s command, they were waiting there for his return. Satisfied, he proceeded further and entered the flower garden.

In a low voice, he instructed those who had come with him to search the entire garden thoroughly, and then he alone went and stood at the entrance of the hut. Pressing his ear to the closed door, he listened intently. Inside, he could hear the anxious voices of Sendhan Amudhan and Poonguzhali in conversation. At intervals, there was also the sound of someone groaning, as if in the throes of death.

Soon, one of the men who had gone to search the garden returned. In the lamplight that filtered through the crack of the door, Thirumalai Nambi carefully examined the items the man had brought. He recognized them at once as the crown, jeweled necklace, armlet, and other ornaments usually worn by Prince Madurantaka. Along with these was the yellow silk upper cloth the prince typically draped over his shoulders.

At the sight of these, a deep satisfaction arose in Azhwarkkadiyan’s heart, and it was reflected on his face.

“Good; what we sought is found! Call the others here as well. Let everyone stand ready, armed, prepared for anything!” he said. Then, Azhwarkkadiyan lightly knocked on the door of the hut.

When no reply came from within, he knocked again, this time more forcefully.

“Who is there? What business do you have here?” came Poonguzhali’s voice from inside.

“Ammani! It is I, Azhwarkkadiyan, also known as Thirumalai Nambidasan. Please, be kind enough to open the door. There is an urgent matter to discuss!” said Azhwarkkadiyan. Footsteps were heard inside. Poonguzhali came to the doorway and stood there. “What urgent business do you have here at this hour? You are a staunch Vaishnavite. This is the abode of Shiva’s devotees. You know well that the master of this house is unwell. Why do you come here at night and cause disturbance?” she asked.

Azhwarkadiyan replied, “Princess of the Sea! It is true that I am a staunch Vaishnavite; that is precisely why I have come—to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous. If you do not open the door at once, it will be broken open!”

“Vaishnavite! Are you such a mighty hero? Have you come to display your valor to us?” she retorted, even as she flung the door of the hut open with a thud. In her fish-shaped eyes, sparks of anger flashed.

She had intended to vent her anger on Azhwarkadiyan, but was startled to see several soldiers standing behind him. Immediately, she subdued her anger and asked, “Sir! What is this? Who are these men? Why have they come here? Did they come