At last, Vandiyathevan spoke: “Prince! If only one man would speak the truth, he could clear me of all blame and reveal what truly happened. That one man is none other than Periya Pazhuvetarayar. It must have been that valiant elder who, while I was hiding in the veena treasury of Kadambur Palace, suddenly seized me by the throat, dragged me down, and left me unconscious. I can only surmise it was him—no one else could have been there at that moment. That old lord, who harbored suspicions about Nandini Devi, must have disguised himself as a Kalamukha Saiva and come in secret to see what was happening. Idumbankari, who belongs to the Kalamukha Saiva sect, must have helped him find a secret way in. But from the very first time that great warrior set eyes on me, he has harbored a deep dislike for me. That hatred only grew stronger with each passing day. He will never come forward to speak the truth and save my life. In fact, if I die bearing this terrible accusation, it might even bring him satisfaction. Therefore, Prince, grant me leave to escape! If I can, I will go to Eezha Nadu and there seek out the Pandya dynasty’s royal crown and the jeweled necklace. Or else, here and now, let your sword end my life. Do not make me a scapegoat to be paraded and executed at the crossroads, bearing the blame for killing your beloved brother, who cherished me with boundless affection! Dying by your sword would bring me far more comfort! Or, if I must, let me die by poison from the hand of this Kodumbalur princess. She and your noble sister have shown such compassion to this orphan, bringing me back from the very doorstep of Yama’s realm to this world again. For that, I shall never be able to repay them with gratitude!”

When Vandiyathevan had spoken thus, Vanathi turned to the prince and said, “Listen, my lord! Just listen! This pure-hearted warrior has no wish to die a hero’s death on the battlefield before his foes! He is ready to perform penance to die by poison at the hands of women!”

“Prince! It seems that the reproaches of your noble sister and this lady will kill me with their words alone. Would it not be better to die by their hands, drinking poison, than to endure such scorn?” said the valiant scion of the Vana clan, Vandiyathevan.

Arulmozhi Varman listened to all these conversations with only half his attention. It seemed as though his mind was intensely occupied with some other matter. Suddenly, he sprang up and stood, exclaiming, “Aha! I have made my decision. I myself shall ascend the throne as the Emperor of Chola Nadu. Throughout the land and cities, the people are clamoring, ‘Let Arulmozhi Varman be crowned!’ The wish of the warriors is the same! I shall fulfill the desire of them all. Do you know why? Only so that I may declare you innocent and set you free. If, because of that, any disgrace should come to me, let it come! It will not touch me! Some of the minor kings who bear enmity towards me may perhaps try to spread such slander. But the people will not believe it. If the petty kings dare to lay blame upon me, that blame will turn back upon themselves! I could even say that it was they who invited him to Kadambur Palace and murdered him. For such treachery of trust and for treason against the royal clan, I could punish them all. Whatever happens, I myself am going to be crowned. Even if my father, my sister, or these others oppose this, I shall act against their wishes. But I cannot stand by and watch any harm befall you!”

With excitement, Vanathi said, “Alas, the Young Princess is not here to hear these words of yours! Please say these words once again in her presence!”

“Why only once? I shall say it many times! And I shall prove it in action as well!” declared Ponniyin Selvan.

Vandiyathevan, wiping away the tears that had sprung to his eyes, said in a trembling voice, “My lord! If, for the sake of a wretch and orphan like me, you change your resolve and ascend the throne, it will be the greatest fortune that has ever befallen Chola Nadu. To speak the truth, as far as I know, Madurantaka Devar is not at all fit to be crowned. One who travels in a closed palanquin like a woman, who involves himself in conspiracies for the sake of the kingdom—how can such a man be worthy to rule an empire? Is it right that one who embodies such cowardice should ascend the Chola throne, adorned by Vijayalaya Cholan and Parantaka Cholan? It is no wonder that the people of this land do not wish for it!”

“Perhaps it is realizing this that Madurantaka Devar has vanished without a trace!” said Vanathi.

“Yes, yes! I am going to give up the effort of searching for him and finding him. I shall crown myself!” declared Arulmozhi Varman.

Even as he spoke these words, Kundavai entered the room and, hearing him, said, “Brother! Cast aside such desires at once! You have neither the throne nor the jeweled crown. Have you forgotten that my dear friend Vanathi has sworn never to ascend the throne of Tanjore? Without her, I could never bear to see you take the crown with another by your side!”

“Sister! At that moment, you need only close your eyes. If you wish, I will even help you shut them myself!” said Vanathi.

Ponniyin Selvan turned to Kundavai and said, “Sister, can the Chola kingdom go on without a king just because of your friend’s vow? Our father is stubbornly insistent on laying down the burden of the kingdom and retiring to Kanchi. Madurantaka Devar has vanished mysteriously. What other way is there? It seems I cannot escape being