Arulmozhi Varman’s mind was greatly troubled. The main reason for this was the ever-increasing turmoil in Chola Nadu surrounding the question of royal succession. Wherever he went in an attempt to pacify the people, their fervor only grew stronger. Cries such as “Ponniyin Selvar is our king!” and “Arulmozhi Varman must be crowned!” rose up everywhere, echoing and resounding in all directions.

Competing with these were other slogans heard in certain places: “Long live the ancient clan of the Pazhuvettaraiyars!” and “Down with the tyrannical Kodumbalur Velar!” If the prince approached such gatherings, hoping to find greater support, those present would immediately begin to shout, “Long live Ponniyin Selvar!” Why was this so? Even the Pazhuvur soldiers, who had been newly assigned to guard the fort, upon seeing Ponniyin Selvar, abandoned their old slogans and joined in the chorus: “Arulmozhi Varman must be crowned!” “May the valiant conqueror of Lanka, Ponniyin Selvar, live long!”

Thus, not only did his efforts fail to win over the common people and the warriors, but Ponniyin Selvar found himself increasingly distressed by the mounting opposition to his wishes. For several days, Madurantaka Thevar had not been seen, which only deepened his anxiety. He was aware that the younger Pazhuvettaraiyar was accusing the Kodumbalur Velar of wrongdoing in this matter. There was some justification for this suspicion. Even Arulmozhi Varman himself could not entirely dismiss his doubts. The Kodumbalur Velar and the Thirukovalur Malayaman were determined to see him crowned. It seemed as if even the chief minister Aniruddha was conspiring with them. Had they all hidden Madurantaka Thevar away somewhere? Or, perhaps, had they brought harm to Madurantaka Thevar’s very life?

The Velar and Malayaman believed that the Pazhuvettaraiyars and the Sambuvaraiyars were responsible for the death of his beloved elder brother, Aditya Karikalan. Seeking vengeance, had they now done some harm to Madurantaka? Ah! What is wrong with these people? They act rashly, without thought. In the end, will not all the blame fall upon his own head? Today, the people of Chola Nadu utter his name with blessings. They urge that he must ascend the throne. But will the hearts of the people always remain thus? Is it not the nature of the masses to waver often? These very same people, tomorrow, might heap blame upon his name. They might say he is the sinner who had his uncle, Madurantakan, murdered to ascend the throne. Why, they might even accuse him of being responsible for the death of Aditya Karikalan at Kadambur Palace.

Oh, divine one! Was it for bearing such terrible accusations that the goddess Mandakini saved me from drowning in the Kaveri, instead of letting me die? Today, that very princess, now revered as a goddess, must save me from this perilous predicament. May she grant me her grace, that the worst of all infamies that can befall a man in life may not come upon me.

Stories of close kin in the royal family of Eelam killing one another to ascend the throne were etched deep in Arulmozhi Varman’s heart. The mere thought that such a disgraceful infamy might befall him too caused him unbearable anguish. If only he could confide in someone, seek counsel—yet, there seemed to be no one worthy of such trust. It seemed to him that everyone around him was plotting against him. Some truly harbored enmity towards him. Others, thinking to do him good, were in fact striving to place a dreadful blame upon his head.

In such a situation, whom could he trust? To whom could he reveal his innermost thoughts and seek advice? Even in his beloved sister, Princess Kundavai, who loved him without equal and was worthy of his devotion, his confidence had begun to waver. It seemed to him that she too was engaged in some secret endeavor without his knowledge. Why, even his dearest Vanathi—was she not, too, trying to hide something from him? Was she not slipping away somewhere in secret, returning with a mysterious expression upon her face?

He could bear anything else, but Arulmozhi Varman resolved that he could no longer tolerate Vanathi’s enigmatic behavior. He noticed Vanathi glancing around cautiously and setting off alone somewhere. At once, he began to follow her quietly, without her knowledge. Through the upper terraces and corridors of the palace, then descending to the lower floors, Vanathi proceeded further and further along a secret passage flanked by high walls on either side.

Believing that Vanathi was going to the secret place where Madurantaka was being kept prisoner, Arulmozhi Varman followed her with great eagerness and impatience.

At last, Vanathi reached another large section of the palace and tried to enter a room and close the door behind her. At that moment, Arulmozhi Varman sprang forward and managed to wedge his foot inside so that Vanathi could not shut the door.

Grasping her hand, which was trying to close the door, he said sternly, “Vanathi! Your tricks will not work with me! Who is it that you are hiding in this room?”

Vanathi, her face blossoming with a smile, replied, “Sir, in truth, my trick has already succeeded! If I had invited you, you would not have come. Now, come in and see for yourself who is here!”

Expecting to find Madurantaka Devar inside, Arulmozhi Varman was astonished and delighted to see Vallavaraiyan Vandiyathevan lying on the bed.

Vandiyathevan, seeing him, sat up and said, “My lord! Welcome! I have been waiting for you these two days. Please, somehow rescue me from the prison of these women!”

Ponniyin Selvan hurried to sit beside Vandiyathevan and asked, “My friend! What is this? How did you get here? How did one who escaped from the underground dungeon become trapped in the prison of these women? All this time, I thought you were in Eezham! I was even thinking that in a few days I would come there and join you!”

“Yes, Prince! I should indeed have been in Eezham all this time! I