The Companion of Honour

4 - THE FIRST STEP

Pazhayarai

"Madurayum Eezamum Konda Ko-Parakesari Parantaka Chozhare vanangidunnen". Veera Pandyan bowed before the Chola king showing great pretension of reverence and humility. The old king smiled arrogantly but he too pretended to be very gracious as he hugged Veera Pandyan and enquired about the welfare of his family.

A scribe read out the royal charter detailing the terms of surrender and the tax to be submitted to the Chola treasury. They have reviewed and conducted several rounds of deliberations in the presence of Chera vassals. Though they have no plans to follow it strictly, Cholas and Cheras don't need to know that.

Menandros pointed out the Pallava chieftain to Ravidasan. Fate is indeed a strange thing. Aditha Cholan once stood with his spine bent in the court of Aparajita Varman. Then he took his head. Now the irumudi adorns his son's head and Aparajita Pallavan's and Rajasimha Pandyan's grandsons worship his feet.

But this compromise didn't come out of nowhere, did it? Everyone knew about Aditha Cholan's fight with his father-in-law Kannara Devan. Parantakan wouldn't have agreed to this arrangement if most of his forces weren't engaged at Thirumunaipadi. That was their hope too. Only Menandros and a few trusted lieutenants escaped with the royals last time. If these upstarts suffer a crushing setback in the hands of Rashtrakutas, it won't be impossible to declare independence.

They moved to the dining hall to feast and rejoice and Menandros quitely introduced some other vassals to him. Though much was left unsaid, Ravidasan understood the implications of his words.

Some were elevated by marriage alliances and other allowances, like Pazhuvettaraiyan Kandan Amudhan. Some like Miladudaiyan Malayaman were allowed to keep their possessions, but they are not sufficiently rewarded with higher responsibilities. To be frank, he seemed happier than the highly decorated chieftains. After a round of alcohol, he and his companions started singing folk songs and dancing. Cholan's grandson too joined them. No wonder he is called Sundaran. He glowed like he is made of pure gold.

Pazhuvettaraiyan Tappilidharman's two sons who looked like Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyakshan stared at them. Ravidasan and Menandros stared back with equal intensity.

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Madurai

"Who won?"

"We won, ilavarase. Those two pebble eyed demons had to concede defeat".

"Is it true that young Pazhavoor princes are seven feet tall and can bend a sword with plain hands?"

"No, they are almost as tall as me. Definitely not seven feet tall. What do you say, Ravidasa?"

Ravidasan was planning to take it up directly with Veera Pandyan. If those Pazhuvoor men are any indication, Chola Velakkara Padai is insanely strong. He had gathered that the elder brother used to lead them but now the younger brother has taken up that position and the older one is with his family's forces now.

"Definitely not seven feet tall. No sword bending either. But they can snap the neck of a grown man easily. Thalapathi, shouldn't we intensify the training program of our forces?"

"We are allowed only minimal autonomy. Haven't we divided the forces into smaller units and train them individually? We will have to wait till they are confirmed to be occupied elsewhere."

"I got an intelligence report that Kodumbaloor Irunkovelan and Sambuvarayan marched to Kanchi even before you left Pazhayarai". Jatilan sounded extremely proud about the confidential information he managed to secure.

"Ilavarase, I heard that the younger Pazhavoor prince was summoned by Kondandaraman (Rajadithan). If they are moving the Velakkara Padai, their situation is more precarious than we thought. That's the only thing that gives me some peace of mind."

"Paatta, how is appa's new recruit? Is this guy learning everything?"

"Absolutely. Also if everything happens as Ravi says, we can start mobilising our forces soon".

"Let me test him. Anna, tell me the names of the chieftains who were present there".

Ravidasan recounted the names- Pazhuvettaraiyan, Pallavan, Miladudaiyan, Sambuvarayan, Irunkovelan, Vanangamudi . . . Menandros started giggling like a teenager. "Jatila, your dream father-in-law wasn't invited".

Some chieftains like Mazhavarayar who lost their lands and titles are relegated to the background and don't get invited to events like this. He has a mad daughter - Uma Maheshwari. The girl spends the whole day dancing and praying before Natarajan. Ever since Jatilan met her, he hasn't stopped dreaming about her.

The prince didn't like Menandros' teasing. Uma Maheshwari and Jatilavarman. Aren't they made for each other? Ravidasan and Menandros had to agree to that logic. Jatilan too might as well learn some dance from Malayaman. He walked away, blushing and complaining that no one has any regard for him.

Aha! Troubles of a teenage heart. Today was a pleasant day indeed.