The Son of Cauvery, Book I - New Floods

Chapter 4 - Kadamboor Fort

The horse had by now rested well and become quite energetic. Within a few hours it reached the gates of Kadamboor. Lord Sengannan Sambuvaraya was an important Chozla nobleman in those days. His castle gates resembled the entrance of a large city-stronghold. The towering walls on both sides of the gate curved around like a fortress.

A number of elephants, horses, large bullocks as well as workers to hold, feed and water these animals stood near the gates. Here and there men stood with flaming torches to provide light; oil pourers were ready to add oil to the lighted torches.

Sighting all these bustling activities, Vandiya Devan felt a bit dismayed and hesitant. Something special seems to be taking place here; why have I come here now. At the same time he felt an overpowering urge to find out what the special occasion was. The fortress gates were wide open, although men holding long lances stood near the gates. They looked like the messengers of Yama, the God of Death.

The dauntless youth decided that the best thing to do would be to ride boldly and go in; any hesitation on his part would alert the guards to stop him. He translated his thoughts into action. But what a disappointment?! As soon as the horse neared the gates, lances crossed in front to obstruct the way and stop him. Four men came forward and held onto the horse's reins. One of them peered  at Vandiya Devan. Another held up the flaming torch to light his face.

With anger darkening his face, Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan asked "Is this customary in your town? Stopping guests at your gates?"

"Who are you, Impudent fellow? Where do you come from?"

"Are you asking me my name and town? Thiruvallam in the Vanakapadi Kingdom is my town. Once upon a time, soldiers in your country were proud to tattoo the names of my ancestors on their breasts. My name is Vallavarayan Vandiya Devan! Do you know?"

"Why did you not bring a herald in uniform to announce all this?" said the gate-keeper. Others around him laughed.

"Whoever you are, you cannot enter! All the expected guests have already arrived. The Master's orders are to not let in anyone after that,"said their leader.

Hearing this altercation, some footmen who were standing nearby came closer. "Hey! Is this not the same mule that we chased into the festival crowd?" said one of them.

"Donkey, not mule," corrected another. "Look at the starched up fellow sitting on his donkey," added another.

Vallavarayan heard these words. He had been thinking, why get involved? Perhaps I should go away quietly. Maybe I should show the token bearing the seal of Prince Aditya Karikala and then go in. When I have the signet of the Prince, the Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Armies, none in the regions between River Pennar and Cape Comorin can impede my way.

It was in the midst of these ponderings that he heard the mocking words of the Paluvoor lackeys. Immediately deciding his course of action, he said "Let go of my horse. I am going back."

The gate-keepers let go of the reins. Vandiya Devan employed both his legs to apply a sudden pressure to the underbelly of his horse. At the same time he drew his sword from it's scabbard at his waist. The swirling sword flashing like swift lightning in his hand appeared like God Vishnu's spinning Chakra (discus). The horse galloped forward into the fortress. The men in the way seemed to suddenly fall down. Lances and spears were thrown apart, clanging noisily. The horse flew amidst the gossiping men of Paluvoor. The totally unexpected, lightning attack scattered the men in all four directions.