After Poompuhar had been swept away into the sea, Nagapattinam had taken over the main seaside trade centre. It was the major port of the
The next dawn broke beautifully. Birds rustled out of their sleep and flew out of their trees. Insects buzzed around the flowers and on the water surface. Poonkuzhali woke up with a start. Sendhan Amudhan was rowing the boat. The Prince was still sleeping in front of her. Was he sleeping? Or was he still unconscious from the fever.
“I will not accept that. You are the daughter of the God Varuna. You are Samudra Kumari. How many times have you rescued me? I do not know how to repay you.”
Poonkuzhali stopped running and turned around. And at that exact moment, she heard a mellifluous song start – “Ponnaar Meniyane…”.
She broke into laughter. She recognised Sendhan Amudhan’s voice. “Athaan, is that you? Come forward. I cannot see you in the dark.”
The magician sniggered. “My magic powers are much more superior to the predictions that are made using the stars. Do you not know that I created the squall out of the calmest waters, using my magical powers? Even that stupid Vallavarayan did not believe it initially. I am sure he must have believed it, when he drowned.”
The Prince continued, “I think I have the fever that was spreading all across Lanka, the one I told you about, the other day. Take me to my sister. Take me to Princess Kundavai.”
Around 1200 years ago, the Chozha dynasty started as a small kingdom under the able leadership of Vijayalaya Chozhan. He conquered the city of Thanjavur
The General paused for a bit. “But beware, do not get too close to the Prince. It is not good for you. You should realise who you are, and who he is. Stick to casting your net in the sea and catching fish. Do not even attempt to cast your net on the Prince. This is my final warning.”
“Prince, it has been like this ever since the Pazhuvettarayars were given powers. It has been like this for a while.”
“Ponniyin Selvare, please forgive me. I have sinned.”
“Brave soldier, you did your duty. You need not ask forgiveness for that. For fighting in battle, for the sake of your motherland, you will definitely go to Heaven. There is no doubt.”