After the Kuravai Koothu, a big feast
was spread out for the guests. Vallavareyan
didn’t enjoy it much as he was exhausted. Nonetheless, he sat down along with
his friend who kept a steady stream of conversation about his guests.
Apart from Pazhuvetarayar, Mazhavereyar, Mazhapadi
Thanavan, Kunrathur Perunilakezhar, Mammudi Pallavareyar, Thenthongi
Kalingarayer, Vanangamudi Munnaireyar, Devasenathipati Puvareyar were some
of the prominent figures in Sambuverayar’s
guest list that night.
Vandiya Devan was aware that these noblemen were the most
influential officials of the Chola
court. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them as petty kings and powerful
chieftains. In those days, one could not be a king just by birth. Only those,
who stood by the emperor with loyalty and bravery during a war, would be
recognized and given lands and property and established as a petty king or a
lord.
Vandiya Devan realized that unless it were something of great
import these noblemen would not have gathered here.
“Why have they all come here…? What is happening here
today?”
With these questions
playing in his mind, he went with Kandanmaran
to the terrace, where he was given a bed under the stars at the far end.
