When the retinue of Pazhuvettaraiyar and Sambuvaraiyar approached the gates of Thanjai Fort, it was as if the very seas themselves were clashing in turmoil.

“Here arrives the lord of Chola Nadu, the god ordained by fate, the bravest of the brave who has earned sixty-four scars in thirty-six battlefields—the great Pazhuvettaraiyar!” So thundered the heralds, roaring out such titles for each of the minor kings.

In the same manner, titles and honors were proclaimed for the Kodumbalur Velar, the Thirukovalur Malayaman, and others. Drums and conches blared in between. The fortress walls echoed with the sound.

At the fort gate stood the Commander-in-Chief, Periya Velar, Malayaman, the Prime Minister, and others, waiting below. Thus, the Pazhuvettaraiyars and their companions had to dismount from their vehicles. Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar thought that the Commander-in-Chief and the others had stationed themselves at the gate in a gesture of welcome, intending to lead them inside the fort after making them dismount from their chariots. He shared this thought with the others as well. He requested that the Commander-in-Chief himself take on the responsibility of speaking with the assembled group.

Periya Velar and the others expected that they might need to converse with the arriving dignitaries for a while. Therefore, instead of blocking the fort entrance, they stood a little apart in the open ground near the flagpole. When the minor kings approached them after dismounting, the Commander-in-Chief, Periya Velar, called out, “Welcome! Welcome, O minor kings, who are like the eight elephants supporting the eight directions of the Chola realm! Welcome! May your arrival bring prosperity to the Chola kingdom and the Chola clan!”

Immediately, Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar replied, “Yes, sir! May our arrival bring good fortune to the Chola kingdom! And likewise, may your departure also yield auspicious results!” At these words, Periya Velar’s eyes reddened.

“Sir! For the prosperity of the Chola kingdom and the glory of the Chola clan, it is the tradition of the Kodumbalur Velar lineage to journey to all directions. The whole world knows that my dear brother, Paranthakan Chinna Velar, gave his life on the battlefield of Eezham. I myself was in Eezham until just a few days ago. The art of riding a horse with a spear in hand is well known to our clan. To remain safely within fortress walls, tending to palace inner chambers and treasuries…” “We are well aware of the customs that safeguard the royal chambers and the traditions that are upheld. If it is certain that the Chola clan will benefit from your arrival and my departure, then I shall not remain here for even a moment longer!” thundered Periya Velar.

At this moment, the Prime Minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar intervened, saying, “Scions of the royal house! What doubt can there be that the coming together of all of you will bring good to the Chola kingdom? Each one of you has, for generations, toiled for the glory of the Chola realm. In every one of your lineages, there are those who have laid down their lives for the Chola clan… Now, as ever, and in times to come, your cooperation and service will be needed for the welfare of Chola Nadu. It is for this reason that Emperor Parantaka Sundara Chola grieves over the discord that has arisen among you. Even forgetting the immense sorrow of having lost his beloved son, the peerless warrior who slew Veerapandiyan—Aditya Karikalan, who met an untimely death—he has summoned you all here, seeking unity. Matters concerning the succession and all other issues can be discussed and resolved peacefully in the presence of the Emperor. Noble lords! I earnestly entreat you all—do not wound the heart of the Emperor, who is already sunk in grief at the loss of his eldest son, with your quarrels!”

These words struck deep into the hearts of all those assembled there. They realized that this was not the proper time to give vent to their own anger and grievances.

Immediately, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar said, “Prime Minister! We are prepared to act according to the wishes of the Emperor. When shall we be granted audience with him? Will it be possible to see him tonight? We wish to hear the Emperor’s will directly from his own lips!”

“Commander! Your request is just, and there is no doubt it will be fulfilled. But you all know the state of the Emperor’s body and mind. When night falls, his physical pain and mental anguish only increase. Moreover, before discussing the matter of succession with the princes, the Emperor wishes to have a final conversation with Sembiyan Madevi. He wishes to make one last attempt to change her mind. You all know for what reason. Therefore, before tomorrow’s daylight fades, the Emperor will summon you all. Tonight, he wishes that all of you come within the fort and rest peacefully in your respective palaces. For those who do not have a palace within the fort, he has instructed Periya Velar to arrange suitable accommodations…”

Once again, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar interjected, “Prime Minister! We have no need for the comforts of a palace. We are men accustomed to the open fields of the battlefield. If the Emperor is only going to see us tomorrow, what necessity is there for us to enter the fort tonight?”

The Prime Minister replied, “What necessity is there for you to stay outside, instead of coming and lodging in your own palace?”

“Commander! It seems Kaalandhakandar is afraid to come and stay inside the Thanjai fort!” said the Commander-in-Chief.

“Afraid? What does fear look like? Is it black? Is it red? Does it have horns? Does it have wings? Perhaps the great Velar, who has come running in haste from the battlefields of Eelam, might know,” said Chinna Pazhuvettarayar.

‘What is this? It seems impossible to prevent these two from clashing,’ thought Periya Pazhuvettarayar. He let out a booming “Hum!” that seemed to fill the sky, and stepped forward. Everyone turned to him with great respect.

“Brother! The Kodumbalur Velar descends from the