The Tiger Throne, page 28
Unable to stand their looks, Vanathi ran to the lake. She remembered that during the last few days, she had seen the prince’s face in the water—it had disappeared when she touched it. The prince was calling out to me when he drowned. But I stood here like a fool. There’s only one thing to do. The lake flows into the river which flows into the sea. The prince is waiting for me at the bottom of the sea. I’ll meet him there …
Vanathi became calm. She stood on the marble steps leading to the water. She saw a boat in the distance with Kundavai and Devan in it. He must have brought the news about the prince. If they come here, they’ll stop me. How can I leave the princess without a word of thanks for all her love? No, I won’t wait. I see the prince in the water, he’s calling me. I feel giddy … Vanathi fainted and fell into the lake. She sank to the bottom. Her body was cool; palaces of gem-studded gold shimmered in the water; a crowd of radiant figures walked to her; they took her to a pavilion were the prince welcomed her with a smile; to the sound of auspicious music, they exchanged garlands and were married; unable to bear the happiness, she fainted.
Hands lifted her. She thought it was the prince who held her close and revived her on his lap. The she heard the sound of bangles and Kundavai’s voice: “Vanathi! What have you done?!”
Vanathi struggled to open her eyes; Kundavai was bending over her. “Akka,” Vanathi mumbled. “Did you come for my wedding? I didn’t see you there …”
Vanathi Recovers
Vanathi slowly came to her senses. She realized that her marriage to the prince was just a dream and that he was dead. Why did the princess save me? Why couldn’t she let me die? She couldn’t open her eyes but heard the princess talking with someone.
“She’s rambling,” Kundavai said. “Thank goodness our boat was near the shore and we were able to save her. I tremble to think what would have happened otherwise!”
“It may have been better if we had not saved her; she would have died happily.”
Ah, it’s that young warrior the princess sent to Sri Lanka. Let me hear what he says.
“Have you no heart?” Kundavai exclaimed.
“She was talking about marrying the prince and she’s going to be disappointed.”
“Yes, she loves my brother. And she’s from the Kodumbalur clan—who could be a more suitable match for him?”
“You’ll be disappointed,” Devan said.
“Why? Didn’t you tell me the prince is safe in the Choodamani Monastery?”
The prince is alive and safe! What sweet news! Thank goodness I didn’t die in the lake.
“The prince is safe, but I doubt he’ll marry this girl.”
“If there’s one man who will obey my every command, it’s my brother.”
“I’m another,” Devan declared. “The prince’s love for you knows no bounds. Although he doesn’t want to rule, he’ll agree to become king if you insist. But he won’t marry this girl … what if his heart is set on another girl?”
Devan’s words were like molten lead being poured into Vanathi’s ears.
“I told you about Poonkuzlali, the boat girl. She rowed me to Sri Lanka, saved the prince and me from the sea and rowed the prince to the monastery. She will lay down her life for him.”
“Never!” Kundavai exclaimed. “I won’t let my brother fall into this boat girl’s net.”
“Is clan that important? Is a boat girl worthless? Isn’t her blood red and doesn’t her heart beat like that of a princess? A princess’s love may be tinged with the desire to be queen, but Poonkuzlali’s love is pure … sacred! The prince too feels that way. Why should others stand in their way?” Devan paused. “Take my case: if I could show you what’s in my heart …”
“No! It’s best to let what’s in your heart stay there safely. Love is not for kings. If kings follow their hearts, there will be endless trouble and grief. My father is an example of this. He once saw a girl in the jungle … why am I telling you this? This girl is recovering; her eyelids are fluttering. Tell me about the dangers you faced in Sri Lanka.”
“One night in Anuradhapura, we would have been buried alive under a building. We escaped only because a woman warned us …that woman was known to the prince. She was old enough to be his mother and she was a deaf-mute.”
“What?” Kundavai exclaimed. “Tell me more about her: where was she born?”
“She was born on an island off the Lankan coast.”
The princess could not hide her excitement. “Who does she look like?”
“She’s older, and wears a simple sari, but she’s a copy of someone here: can you guess who?”
“Nandini?”
“Yes, Nandini,” Devan said.
“My god! My suspicions are correct—the woman I hate like a poisonous snake is my sister. Fate is cruel. This shows why a prince should never fall in love with a woman of no lineage.”
“My ancestors ruled Vallam for more than three hundred years: I know the value of lineage. But now, though I don’t have a kingdom, I have my sword … strong shoulders … a brave heart …”
“Sir, let’s discuss your greatness later. There are things to be done at once. Will you help me?”
“I’ll lay down my life for you,” Devan declared.
“You and the boat girl must be brother and sister. Shh! This girl is opening her eyes …”
Vanathi had recovered. I’ll prove to the prince that my love is greater than the boat girl’s. She also began to understand the meaning of what she had seen that night in the emperor’s room.
“My darling, how are you feeling?” Kundavai asked.
“I’m fine, akka,” Vanathi replied. “I’m so sorry for giving you all this trouble.”
Azlvarkkadian came up. “Lady, I’m also here to trouble you. An angry mob has gathered at the palace. You must come and calm them or there will be disaster.”
The Chief Minister Arrives
Waves of people surged towards the palace. They were of all ages and faiths. Some sobbed; others cursed the Pazluvur brothers; young men banged thick sticks in anger. The crowd shouted, ‘Break your sticks on the Pazluvur brothers’ heads!’ The soldiers at the entrance let in the two messengers and guards and barred the palace gates. But the crowd shouted, ‘Go in! Go in!’ and became a tidal wave which pushed aside the soldiers, broke open the gates and burst into the courtyard.
Sembiyan Madevi came out to stand on the balcony. At the sight of her calm face and folded hands the crowd was silent for a few seconds.
“Mother!” a voice shouted. “Where’s Ponni’s Beloved? Tell us!”
The crowd again wailed and shouted angrily. Sembiyan Madevi froze in horror: what misfortune had fallen on Arulmozli? The messengers pushed their way through the crowd and stood before the balcony. “Mother, we bring sad news. As Prince Arulmozli was returning to Kodikkarai on the emperor’s orders, the ships were caught in a cyclone. One ship sank and the prince jumped into the water to rescue the men. He is now missing at sea. The emperor is heart-broken and asks you to come at once to Thanjavur along with Prince Madurandaka and Princess Kundavai.”
Tears coursed down Sembiyan Madevi’s face. The crowd wailed louder. Shouts came from the courtyard: “Mother, don’t go to Thanjavur, let the emperor come here!” “The Pazluvur brothers have murdered the prince!” “We want Princess Kundavai!”
Azlvarkkadian, standing on the edge of the crowd, rushed to fetch Kundavai. Leaving Vanathi to the maids, Kundavai hurried to the balcony. One look at the Queen Mother’s tears and Kundavai broke into sobs herself. This inflamed the crowd more. “Princess, the Pazluvur brothers must be punished!” “Princess, the Pazluvur brothers have imprisoned the emperor: just say the word and we’ll march to Thanjavur and free him!”
I must keep my brother’s rescue a secret, but I must also calm the people and send them home. Kundavai signaled to Azlvarkkadian who immediately joined her on the balcony. She whispered to him and he shouted to the crowd: “The princess believes that just as the Ponni saved Prince Arulmozli then, the Ocean King will save him now. This is what the soothsayer also predicts. The princess has taken steps to search for the prince and bring him here. She asks you all to stay calm and go home.”
The crowd heaved a collective sigh of relief. Some men shouted, “Where’s the soothsayer? Let’s hear him.” Seizing the opportunity, Devan went to the balcony and stood beside Azlvarkkadian. “It’s true the prince was in danger, but his life is not at risk. I have studied the planetary positions and read his horoscope: he will soon return home safely.”
“Lies!” Pinakapani shouted from the crowd. “You are a spy for the Pazluvur brothers!”
With a roar, Devan leaped down the twelve feet from the balcony and attacked Pinakapani. As they fought, the excited crowd moved to give them space and formed a circle around them.
Conches and horns blared and a herald announced: “Make way for Chief Minister Aniruddha Brahmaraya!”
Aniruddha’s Plea
As Aniruddha’s palanquin cut through the crowd, the people greeted him and called out their grief. Aniruddha, his face sober, nodded to them in sympathy and blessed them. He stepped out of the palanquin and bowed to the ladies on the balcony. Azlvarkkadian whispered to him.
Aniruddha ordered the guards, “Arrest the two ruffians fighting in the palace courtyard.” The guards separated Pinakapani and Vandhiya Devan and bound their hands. Azlvarkkadian looked pointedly at Devan who allowed himself to be arrested.
Aniruddha went up to the balcony and addressed the crowd. “I understand your pain and anger. But the royal family is grieving and you must not do anything to make things worse for them. I have organized the search for the prince. I ask you all to go home peacefully.”
There were shouts: “We want the emperor!” “What about our men in Sri Lanka?”
“The emperor is guarded day and night by the Velakkara Padai. I will personally escort him to Pazlayarai soon. As for Sri Lanka, the war has been won. Our men will be back soon.”
The satisfied crowd cheered and dispersed.
Aniruddha turned to Sembiyan Madevi. “Lady, there are important matters I must discuss with you. Shall we go inside?” He paused to tell Kundavai, “Princess, I’ll see you later.”
Kundavai walked back to her palace in confusion. If there was anyone she feared in the Chola kingdom, it was Aniruddha. His eagle eyes could read the secrets in one’s heart. How much does he know? How much shall I tell him? Kundavai was furious with Aniruddha for having arrested Devan along with Pinakapani. She could not protest in public and had to hide her anger. You’ll see me later, is it? I’ll deal with you then!
Sembiyan Madevi waited for Aniruddha to sit before taking her seat. “Sir, blow after blow is falling on my head. Is the news about Arulmozli true? I can’t believe it!”
“No one can know for sure, but the news of his death has spread throughout the land.”
“If it’s true, what misfortune will it bring? I have never seen a mob in the palace courtyard!”
“There was rioting in Thanjavur too. The Velakkara Padai refused to leave the fort. An angry mob surrounded the Pazluvur brothers’ houses and had to be chased away by elephants in musth. It’s fortunate that Prince Madurandaka was not there: he may have been attacked too.”
“Sir, Madurandaka has changed; you must help me with him.”
“Prince Madurandaka believes he’s the emperor’s rightful heir. He wants to be king. It would be best if he’s allowed to have his way.”
“Sir, what are you saying? Are you too ready to betray the emperor?”
“My queen, I would not dream of betraying the emperor. The emperor himself wants to crown Prince Madurandaka and retire from all affairs of state. He sent me to get your consent to this.”
Sembiyan Madevi cried, “I’ll never give my consent! I’ll never betray my husband! How can you ask me to do this? Have you forgotten the secrets we share?”
“I have forgotten nothing: in fact, there are some secrets you don’t know. That’s why I’m here on the emperor’s behalf. I’m here to beg you to save the Cholas from great danger.”
“What great danger can we avert by making Madurandaka king?”
“My queen, the riots will spread from Kanchipuram to Rameswaram. General Velir has sailed from Lanka with his army and intends to march on Thanjavur. When Aditya Karikalan hears this, he’ll join him with the northern army. The Pazluvur brothers and their allies are also raising armies. You’ll watch your near and dear ones kill each other in a civil war …”
“My country is dear to me but my Lord Shiva’s world is larger. If there’s no place for me in the Chola country, I’ll go on a pilgrimage to my Lord’s abode in the Himalayas.”
“Mother, Lord Shiva’s world itself is under threat. Turks, Mughals and Arabs are ready to invade this land; their faith encourages them to destroy our temples. The kings in the north can’t stop them. I dream our Chola kings will defeat these invaders and save our faith. Please make my dream come true. I beg you to stop the civil war which looms over us.”
Sembiyan Madevi pondered on this. “Sir, if Bharath is threatened, my Lord Shiva will protect it, not I. I’ll never forget my husband’s dying wish: I’ll never betray him.”
“In that case, I have no other choice but to tell you a truth which has remained secret …”
Madurandaka bustled in and asked, “Mother, is it true Arulmozli is missing at sea?”
“My queen, I’ll leave you to console the prince. I’ll tell you what I have to say some other time.”
Madurandaka said loudly, “That man’s my arch-enemy. Has he been poisoning your ears?”
Aniruddha heard the prince’s words as he crossed the threshold.
Kundavai’s Predicament
Aniruddha walked to Kundavai’s palace. The princess stood and bowed to him. He blessed her: “May you live long, may you be blessed with a brave and wise husband.”
“Sir, is this the time for such a blessing? The whole kingdom is worried about my father’s health and my beloved brother’s fate …”
“But I see no signs of worry on your face,” Aniruddha pointed out.
“I come from a courageous lineage: do you want me to break down like some ordinary woman?”
“Never. But women should confine themselves to song and dance and not get involved in political affairs. See how much trouble you have caused.”
“Aiyo! What have I done?”
“I asked the prince to remain in Lanka, but you sent a messenger asking him to return at once. Of course, he obeyed you and not this old man. Now, he’s lost at sea. Did you see the mob today? Who’s to blame for all this but you?”
“It was the Pazluvur brothers who sent two ships to arrest Arulmozli,” Kundavai countered.
“I know, my dear. But their ships sank in the storm. If they deny sending an arrest warrant and accuse you of being the one who asked the prince to return, how can we refute their claim?”
“How did you and the Pazluvur brothers know about my message?”
“Your messenger got arrested when he reached Sri Lanka, so everyone there knows about it. The doctor’s son went with him to Kodikkarai, so everyone here knows about it. See how your secret became public knowledge. That’s why women should not interfere in politics.”
Kundavai was speechless. She had to admit that there was some truth in Aniruddha’s words. Her anger turned to Devan. Yes, he’s brave, but he has ruined everything. I must give him a piece of my mind when I see him. Kundavai remembered that Devan had been arrested. How much of trouble he gets into! Why couldn’t he have just ignored the nonsense said by the doctor’s son?
“Sir, I have a request …”
“Just say the word, lady. Is there anyone in this kingdom who can refuse you?”
“You arrested two men who were fighting in the courtyard …”
“That was a serious crime, to fight before the queen in the middle of an angry mob. If the spectators had taken sides and joined in, the riot would have got out of hand.”
“I agree, sir. Yet, I ask you to release one of the men: he’s the messenger I sent to Lanka.”
“Excellent!” exclaimed Aniruddha. “He’s the very man I wanted to arrest. He’s accused of being the one who pushed Prince Arulmozli into the sea.”
Kundavai was shocked. “Who makes this serious accusation?”
“Parthibendran. The Pazluvur brothers are non-committal … I too have my doubts.”
“Acharya! Are you accusing me of sending a man to push my brother into the sea? Karikalan sent him to me and said he was trustworthy.”
“My dear, Aditya Karikalan and you trusted him, but he could be a spy for the enemy camp. I heard someone shout, ‘spy,’ as I arrived. What was that about?”
“The doctor’s son accused Vandhiya Devan of Vallam of being the Pazluvur brothers’ spy. What nonsense! He escaped from the Pazluvur brothers and they are hunting for him …”
“My dear, how come he carries the Pazluvur signet ring?”
“That demon, that poisonous snake–forgive me, Nandini gave it to him.”
“I’m glad you know that. Vandhiya Devan may not be the Pazluvur brothers’ spy, but he could be Nandini’s spy. He met Nandini outside Thanjavur Fort and got the ring from her; he met her in her house; Nandini hid him in the treasury and helped him escape; she knew he had a message for you; when he returned from Lanka, he met Nandini again at midnight in the ruined Pandian fort; he still has her the signet ring. Do you still trust your messenger?”
Kundavai said, “If you continue talking to me, I won’t trust even myself!”
A Spy to Spy on a Spy
“It’s difficult to know who to trust in these troubled times. Our enemies conspire and plot.”
“But you seem to know of every plot—how is that?” Kundavai asked.
