Vandiyathevan immediately came to a conclusion after hearing the words of Paluvetaraya about the statehood. What are they going to say about statehood? Who are they to talk to? Be aware of what is going to happen in this meeting! You have to sit here. There is no better place than this. Let Alwarkadiyan go anyway, what do we care about him?

Vandiyathevan already had the idea that some mysterious event was going to take place here today. Alwarkadiyan's perversely meaningful words, the impetuous behavior of the fort gatekeepers, the half-hearted welcome of Sambuvariyar, the furious language of the maddened ascetic, all these had caused him some doubts. Here is an ungodly opportunity to remove all those doubts and know the truth; Why let it slip? Aha! Even Kandhamaran, whom he considered as his life-long friend, did not tell him the truth. He has put himself to sleep and has come to this secret midnight meeting. I have to see him tomorrow.

By this time, the janitor below had started talking. Vandiyadeva gave his ear and listened carefully.

“I have come to announce a very important message to you all. Sambuvariyar has convened this meeting for that purpose. Sundarachola Maharaja's health is very critical. I asked the palace doctors privately. They say 'There is no more room for hope; They said that he will not be alive for long. So, we must now think about what is to come!” Saying that, Pulvetaraiyar stopped.

"What do the Josiahs say?" asked someone in the crowd.

“Shall I go and ask the soothsayers? A comet is visible in the evening sky after a few days! Isn't that enough! said one.

Then the reaper said: “The astrologers have also been heard to delay for some time; That's it. Anyway, we have to wonder who deserves the title next…”

“What's the point of thinking about it anymore? Aditha Karikalar was already crowned prince two years ago!” Said another gruff voice.

“True, but I'd like to know if any of us have been consulted before making such a princely crown. Each one of us gathered here belongs to a tribe that has fought for the supremacy of the Chola kingdom for more than a hundred years, in four generations. My patanar's father died in Tirupurambiam war. My father died in the battle at Vellore. My father sacrificed his life in Thakolam. This is how each and every one of your forefathers have given their lives to uphold the supremacy of this Chola country. In each of our families, young children have died on the battlefield. Even today, the children of our clan and family are fighting in the country of Eelah. But the Maharaja did not ask for our opinion in deciding who should be next in line. Dasaratha also convened a Council of Ministers and thought about making a title for Rama. He consulted ministers, vassals, army chiefs and princes. But Sundara Chola Maharaja did not consider it necessary to listen to anyone's opinion.”