Chapter 42 – Is this your friendship?

Vandiya Devan’s first impulse was to save Kandan Maran’s life but he had to take care of this murderous guard first. He sprang forward and held the guard by his throat from behind and wrestled his arm, making him drop the fire log. The fire log fell down burning low, while the guard struggled to release himself from Vandiya Devan’s steely hold. Vandiya Devan held the guard tightly and then banged his head on the wall whereupon he fell on the ground with a thud. Vandiya Devan immediately took the fire log and went near the unconscious guard (who looked as if he was dead). Not sure whether he was dead or not, Vandiya Devan secured his arms with his upper cloth quickly.

Next he ran to his friend who was lying half way across the doorway with the guard’s knife stuck on his back and his spear lay near him. Vandiya Devan stepped outside and dragged him outside the door and took his spear in hand. The doorway to the underground passage closed automatically. Hoisting his friend on his shoulders, he turned around to see where they had emerged. A rushing stream was passing was very near him and the ground was wet and muddy. A few steps more, they would have fallen into the gushing kauveri river that ran along the fort.

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Chapter 41 - The Underground Chamber

Vandiya Devan climbed down the steps slowly. After a while, he reached level ground but there were a few feet steps... As the path wound endlessly, he wondered how long he would have to roam in the dark.

Suddenly he saw a very dim light somewhere... he wondered if there was a window through which moonlight was beaming in or if there was a lamp, kept hidden in a corner.

'No! It can't be! Am I imagining things? Have I gone mad? How can this be? Is this even possible?'

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Chapter 34 - Lata Mandapam

The woman led him through the thick groves of trees. Vandiya Devan found it difficult to keep pace with her. Stumbling in the darkness, he almost collided with a tree. On seeing this, the woman asked him, "What happened? Have you forgotten the way?"

In reply, Vandiya Devan said, "Sshh." At the same time, he heard some noise on the other side of the wall in the place where he was sleeping a little while ago. It seemed as if two or three people were running here and there searching for something. Vandiya Devan laughed softly.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Didn't you hear the sound of people who were searching for me outside the wall? I am just happy that I escaped from them."

On hearing this, the woman was afraid, "Somebody was searching for you?"

"Yes. Otherwise why would I be sitting outside the wall?"

Hearing this, the woman took a good look at him for the first time.

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Chapter 33 - A Lady on a Tree

Vandiya Devan started out on a tour of Thanjavur along with the two soldiers that Chinna Pazhuvetarayar had sent along. He knew exactly what Chinna Pazhuvetarayar would have told them. He would have asked them not to let him out of their sight. And he was sure that by now, guards at the fort entrance would have orders not to let anybody outside.

So while he was going around the fort, he was furiously thinking about ways to escape and hide but first, he would have to evade these guards that Chinna Pazhuvetarayar had sent with him. After that, he had to break out from the fort as well.

He could give the guards the slip very easily. He could always attack them and escape - but where would he run? He had a fair idea about how strong the fort was guarded, and the security inside was tighter than ever. Nobody could get into or leave the fort without Chinna Pazhuvetrayar’s knowledge. And if he tried to run away from these two soldiers they would raise the alarm. If caught he would then be led straight to the underground prison or else he would be killed.

I need to escape from here somehow without raising an alarm. There must be some way out of this fort. Most forts have an underground escape route. But how do I find it?

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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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Chapter 21 - The Veil Parted

Can a man dwell in two different worlds at the same time?

Yes he can. If you need any proof, you must take a glimpse at Vandiya Devan.

As he was traveling through the Chola Kingdom, his eyes were admiring the beauty of the rich Chola land.

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Chapter 20 - Our First Enemy

Azhvarkadiyan greatly appreciated the timely help given by the bat. Ravidasan and his gang thought that the bat had made the sound and continued with their discussion, while Azhvarkadiyan listened in.

"Hey, this bat frightened us out of our wits. Let us kill it," cried one of the gang members.

But Ravidasan said, "No, why do you want to kill this bat unnecessarily? Instead let us save our swords to kill our enemies. Bats are our friends. Just like us, they come out of their nests, when men are asleep.

"Listen to me, friends! Until we have the great treasury of Thanjavur we need not worry about gold. All that we need is, people who can take up this dangerous task and complete it successfully. We need to divide ourselves into two groups. One group should immediately go to Elangai and the other should go to Kancheepuram. We need to complete both the tasks at the same time, otherwise our enemies will be forewarned. Who among you is willing to go to Elangai?"

"I will go!"

"Let me go!"

"On second thoughts, I think we should decide who should go, in the next meeting. We need to make a lot of preparation before we leave."

"Ravidasarey, which is the best route to Elangai?"

"We can go via Kodi Karai. That would be the easiest way. But reaching Kodi Karai from here is difficult. Moreover the Cholas, have spies all through that route. So the best thing to do, would be to go to Sethu and cross the sea there. We will land near Mandhotham. From there we will have to find our way. Whoever goes to Elangai must know to swim and row a boat. Who among you knows to swim?"

"I know."

"I know too."

"First we must meet the Elangai King, Mahindan, and talk to him about our plans. So whoever is to go there must know to speak Sinhalam. Where are our other two friends, Soman Sambavan and Edupankari?"

"Here they come!" said one of the men.

The two men came from the opposite direction, making their way through the shrubs. Azhvarkadiyan wound himself around the tree to avoid detection.

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Chapter 18 - Edupankari

Azhwarkadiyan Nambi

It has been some time since we left our friend, Azhvarkadiyan near Kollidam river. Let us see what he is doing.

After Vandiya Devan left for Kudandhai in his horse, Azhvarkadiyan said to himself, "This young man is very clever. If I ask him, one question he has hundred questions for me. I couldn't find out exactly who he is working for or where he is headed. I couldn't even find out whether he attended the midnight conference in Kadambur. Thank God! I mentioned Kudandhai Jodhidar's name. Whatever information I couldn't find out I am sure the Jodhidar would."

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Chapter 17 - The Laughing Horse

Princess Kundavai and her friends

Kundavai had decided that Vanathi was the right life partner for her brother, Prince Arulmozhi. But there was only one problem with Vanathi. She was frightened of everything. And Kundavai was not ready to marry her brother to a cowardly girl. So to make Vanathi brave, she had arranged for the crocodile game. But Vanathi passed the test successfully.

After they came to the boat, they rowed around for a while and then came near the bank, where Kundavai's companions had tied the dead crocodile. They all got down from the boat and played in the water for some time. Suddenly one of the girls screamed, "Crocodile! Crocodile! Somebody help."

Immediately the other girls started screaming. But Vanathi did not get scared, instead she said, "The crocodile is strong only when it is in the water and not when it is lying on the shore. So don't be scared."

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Chapter 18

Chapter 15 - Vanathi's Schemes

Kodumbalur Vanathi

What did the other women in the boat do after Princess Kundavai and Vanathi left for Kudandhai Jodhidar’s house? Let us see that now.

“Tharakai, see how lucky this Vanathi is – Kundavai Devi seems to have some special love for her.”

“Nothing of that sort, Varani. Vanathi has been acting strange for the past few months - and she faints for no reason at all. That’s why Kundavai Devi has taken her to the Jodhidar. In case a ghost or a spirit has possessed her, we need to exorcise it. Kundavai Devi is worried because Vanathi’s parents are dead, and her uncle has appointed ‘her’ as a guardian.”

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Chapter 16

Chapter 11 - Sudden Entry

Kundavai, Vanathi and Jodhidar

Modern-day Kumbakonam (near Thanjavur) was called Kudhandhai in those days. It was situated between Thanjavur and Pazhaiarai, the old capital of the Cholas. It was not only famous for its temples but also for its astrologer Kudandhai Jodhidar, who was patronized by the members of the royal family and other noblemen. And that’s probably why he had a huge collection of horoscopes of Princesses and Princes belonging to different clans. He took out Vanathi’s horoscope and studied it intently.

After some time he looked up to see Vanathi’s face then looked back at the horoscope and then looked up again…

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Chapter 9 - From Kadambur To Kollidai

Kollidam Today

Vandiya Devan had lived most of his life in dry regions where there was no river or large lake, which is why he never learned how to swim. Once, while he was patrolling the border of the Chola Kingdom (near the Rashtrakuta Kingdom), he got caught in a current in the river. The current swirled him round and round and started dragging him down. He started losing consciousness; the current had sucked out all his energy. Just when he thought that he would die, he miraculously escaped, and a wave dumped him on the shore.
That night when he went back to his bed, he felt the same swirling motion in his head. But this time, he was not stuck in a river’s current, but in a very dangerous political game.

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Chapter 10

Chapter 8 - Who Is In The Palanquin?

After Pazhuvetarayar’s declaration, silence reigned in the meeting for a while and then indistinct murmurs and mutterings were heard, as people discussed in hushed whispers amongst themselves and Vandiya Devan couldn’t hear anything.

Sambuverayar spoke up and said, “We cannot keep on talking amongst ourselves the whole night. Does anybody here have something to say?”

“I have a doubt. And I am sure just like me, many others here in this group have the same doubt. We would like to clear this up with the Pazhuvur Lord if he so permits us,” said one of them.

“If I am not mistaken, this is Vanangamudiyar, right? Why don’t come here?” said Pazhuvetarayar.

Vanangamudiyar got up and came to the center of the courtyard, where there was more light.

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Chapter 9

Chapter 6 - The Midnight Conference

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.

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Chapter 7

Chapter 5 - Kuravai Koothu

After stepping out of the anthapuram, Vandiya Devan heard a woman’s voice calling out for his friend from inside.

“Mother is calling me. Wait here, I will come back soon,” said Kandan Maran and reentered the anthapuram.
Vandiya Devan heard the women folk talking and laughing simultaneously and a garble of voices questioning his friend, who was finding it difficult to answer. He thought that they were all laughing at him. Soon Kandanmaran came out and said, “Come, I will show you our palace.”

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Chapter 6

Chapter 3 - The Veiled Palanquin

Sometimes, small inconsequential moments lead to momentous periods in one's life. It is indeed life’s great mystery, or one might even call it as God’s grand plan! One such small incident occurred in Vandiya Devan’s life.

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Chapter 4

Chapter 2 - Azhvarkadiyan Nambi

An original illustration

Riding along the banks of the lake, Vandiya Devan turned his horse towards the South. As he rode, he wondered about his mission. He intuitively felt that he was bound on an adventure that was destined to change his life forever. As he traveled towards the Chola Empire, he couldn’t help but be amazed by the scenic beauty of the fertile lands and the gurgling tributaries of the River Kaveri.

He had heard about the numerous temples that the Chola Kings had built along the banks of the river Ponni and was excited about the fact that he would be visiting famous cities like Thanjavur the present capital of Cholas and Pazhaiarai, a former capital. Apart from that, he was going to meet the king! A great warrior whose handsome mien made people forget his real name ‘Paranthakan’ and led them to call him ‘Sundara Chola.' And if that was not enough, he was also going to meet the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the Chola Empire, Elayapirati Kundavai Devi.

He just hoped he wouldn’t have any significant hurdles to surmount to accomplish his mission. “But what if there are obstacles? As long as, I have a sword in hand, I can tackle any hurdle,” he told himself.

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Chapter 3