Chapter 26 - Danger! Danger!

Chinna Pazhuvetar

Walking through the palace, they reached the Asthana Mandapam with Vandiya Devan in the lead. There he saw Chinna Pazhuvettarayar, sitting on a throne with his soldiers and servants around him.

A servant was holding olai suvadis - palm leaves on which were written messages for Chinna Pazhuvettarayar. The accountant was waiting with the daily accounts and the soldiers for orders from their master. In short, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar looked the very image of power!

When he saw Vandiya Devan, his face brightened and he asked, "Who are you thambi?"

Whenever Chinna Pazhuvettarayar  saw young warriors like Vandiya Devan he became very gracious. That was because he wished to enlist all bright young warriors in his band of warriors.

"Thalapathi, I have come from Kanchipuram. Prince Aditya Karikalan has sent a message."

As soon as he heard that Vandiya Devan was from Kanchipuram, Chinna Pazhuvetar's face fell.

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Chapter 25 - Thanjavur Fort

Chola Flag with Tiger Sigil

The signet ring with the image of the palm tree was like the magic ring in mythological tales. At the entrance of the fort, there were flower-sellers, vegetable and fruit vendors waiting to get inside; the guards were exercising the utmost authority in allowing them inside.

But our young hero did not hesitate, he walked up briskly towards the entrance and showed his magic ring to them. Immediately ,the guards respectfully withdrew and opened the door to let him inside.

Vandiya Devan did not know that this was a momentous occasion - his stepping inside the fort. This would set off a chain of many important events in the history of the Chola kingdom.

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