The palanquin in which the princesses were seated drew near to Ponniyin Selvan’s horse.

Vandiyathevan, who had reined in his horse a little behind, called out, “Careful! That dangerous palanquin of the princesses is about to collide with our gentle horse!”

At almost the same spot, he remembered, he had once driven his horse into Nandini’s closed palanquin and then shouted, “The palanquin is running into my horse!” That incident had taken place not even six months ago. Yet, in this short span, how many important events had transpired!

Kundavai, suppressing the delight that Vandiyathevan’s words brought her, said, “Brother! Looking at you both, it seems as though you are discussing some joyous matter! Your faces are positively radiant with happiness!”

“Yes, Akka! We were indeed talking about a happy subject. But it may not bring as much joy to your friend Vanathi. My wedding day is drawing near, is it not? We were rejoicing at the thought of the maiden I am to wed, the one I love. We were speaking of her beauty and grace!” said Ponniyin Selvan.

The faces of the two women, which had just moments before been bright and shining, suddenly clouded over. Vanathi bowed her head. On Kundavai’s face, anger, surprise, doubt, and irritation flickered and faded in quick succession.

“What is this shameless talk? What pleasure do you find in causing this girl pain?” she demanded.

Vanathi lifted her head and looked at Kundavai. “Akka, what are you saying? Why should I be pained?” she asked.

Ponniyin Selvan, without replying to either, stood there with a smile blooming on his face. Seeing this, the younger princess said, “Was it not to the banks of the Kollidam that you went and returned? Which maiden did you see there? What village? What name? What clan?” she asked, her questions tumbling out one after another. At that moment, Vandiyathevan interjected, “Devi! We have not seen any noble maiden whom the prince is to wed. All along this bank of the Five Rivers, we have only gazed in wonder at the resplendent Lady of the Land herself. We spoke of the natural beauty of Chola Nadu as we traveled. Is not the day drawing near when the prince will be crowned emperor of this beautiful country? It is about his love for these two maidens of the earth that he was speaking!”

“Ah! My brother never used to speak so eloquently before. It seems you have taught him this art!” she said.

Arulmozhi Varman laughed and replied, “My friend! You must take the credit! Did I not already tell you that all these clever tricks and spells have come to me only after your friendship? Now, it seems my sister thinks the same!”

“What is this baseless accusation! Both sister and brother have conspired to lay the same charge at my feet?” said Vandiyathevan.

“There are still many more accusations against you. There are even some that my brother could not bring himself to mention. All of