The two Chinese merchants appeared with large turbans upon their heads and thick, bushy beards and mustaches covering their faces. In the auspicious lamplight burning on the upper floor of the palace at that moment, their facial features could not be clearly discerned. It was impossible even to guess their ages.

The doubts that had arisen in Kundavai’s mind only grew stronger. That wise princess commanded the servant who had brought the merchants, “This light is not enough to see the silks and fine garments. Bring a large lamp and light it!”

“I shall go and send a good lamp!” said Madurantaka Devar, and withdrew from the place. Sembiyan Madevi went with him.

After they had left, Kundavai turned to the Chinese merchants and asked, “Sirs! Why are you in such a hurry? Could you not bring your wares tomorrow during the day and show them to us? Why have you come at night itself?”

“Princesses! Forgive us! We have been in Thanjavur for many days now. Despite much effort, we could not come into the palace and meet you. The ship departs from Nagapattinam the day after tomorrow. We must leave on it as well. That is why we hurried!” replied one of the Chinese merchants.

Though his voice sounded somewhat strange, those present were astonished at how well he spoke Tamil.

“Chinese merchant! You speak Tamil very well!” said Kundavai.

“I have stayed in this Chola land for some time for business purposes. Because of that, I have learned to speak some Tamil. Both the language and the land of the Tamils are dear to me,” replied the merchant.

“Then why are you in such haste to return to your country now? Could you not stay at least until the coronation? What is the great urgency?” “If you miss the ship that departs the day after tomorrow, there’s no telling when the next one will set sail. Ships no longer leave Nagai as frequently as they once did!”

“Why is that?”

“Do you not know the reason, Devi? Sea voyages are no longer as easy as they used to be. Nor are they as safe. Pirates have multiplied. Fierce, frenzied warriors from the Arab lands now board ships and roam everywhere in the western and eastern seas. They even lurk along the shores and near the harbors. The moment they spot a merchant ship, they swoop in and attack. They fight with savage fury, slaughter everyone on board, and seize all the goods before making off with their loot. Because of this, merchant ships can no longer travel alone. Ten or twenty ships must now depart together in convoy. If you miss the ships leaving the day after tomorrow, who knows how long you’ll have to wait for the next chance? O noble ladies! Please, take a look at the silks and fine garments we have brought with us!”

As he spoke, the Chinese merchant began to untie the bundle he had brought. Another merchant, in the same