Rudrasenan gathered all the people of Zimbara and led them toward the land of Kantharva. The journey was filled with joy; the Zimbara folk were welcomed warmly, and for a time, happiness lingered in every heart.
But that peace did not last long.
Afterward, Alli and Ponni were told of what had happened to Pandu. The moment they heard the truth, sorrow weighed heavily upon them. The memory of it refused to fade, leaving them restless and troubled.
Not long after, Bermi and Rudrasenan went to meet the sages. When they stood before the sages of Kantharva, they recounted everything that had taken place. The sages listened in silence before finally speaking.
"There is only one solution to this," they said gravely. "You must seek out the Thanthirakarar. Only he has the power to help you. Find him, and your troubles will be resolved. The sooner you act, the better it will be for your son."
Rudrasenan hesitated. "Where do we begin searching? This is no simple task. Where could he possibly be now?"
The sages pointed toward the south.
"Travel in that direction. There lies a vast and terrifying forest. Deep within it is a hidden, illusory city—much like Zimbara itself. It is called Maayavanam. That is where he resides. But beware… the people of that place are kind and compassionate to their own, yet strangers are not welcomed. To outsiders, they can be dangerous. Proceed with caution."
Accepting their words, Rudrasenan and Bermi received the sages' blessings and departed.
They returned swiftly to the kingdom to inform everyone. But when the matter was revealed, the ministers grew uneasy.
"My king," one of them said, "it is not wise for a ruler to leave the kingdom so often. The people depend on you."
Rudrasenan fell into thought. The minister's words were not without reason.
Yet he replied, "At this moment, I must go—for my father, and for my brother whose life hangs by a thread. Tell me then… who will protect the kingdom in my absence?"
The question lingered in the air.
Realizing the truth in the minister's concern, Rudrasenan withdrew to his chamber, his mind clouded with confusion. He paced restlessly, unsure of what to do next.
It was then that Ponni approached him.
"What troubles you so deeply?" she asked. "You have been lost in thought. Do not hide anything from me—tell me."
Rudrasenan revealed everything, his voice heavy with worry.
Ponni listened calmly before speaking with quiet confidence.
"Do not be anxious. Listen to me carefully. Prepare to leave tomorrow. I will take care of everything here."
The next day arrived. Though uncertainty still lingered in his heart, Rudrasenan stood ready to depart.
"My lord…" the minister began hesitantly.
But before he could continue, Ponni stepped forward, her voice firm and unwavering.
"Do not worry about the kingdom," she declared. "Its queen still lives. As long as I stand here, no harm shall come near this land. And if anything dares to threaten it… their heads will roll into the abyss."
Her words stunned everyone present—the ministers, the generals, the entire court. None had expected such fierce resolve from her.
With that, Rudrasenan and Bermi set out in search of the Thanthirakarar, venturing into the depths of the dreadful forest.
Their journey was long and exhausting. Both they and their horses grew weary, yet they pressed on. When their strength could carry them no further, they decided to rest. Setting up a camp, they spent the night beneath the cold sky, a small fire keeping them warm.
As the flames flickered, Rudrasenan felt an unsettling presence—as though something, or someone, was watching them from the shadows.
He turned sharply.
Nothing.
The forest stood silent.
Choosing not to alarm Bermi, he said nothing.
At dawn, they resumed their journey. After traveling a great distance, they came upon a tree unlike any they had ever seen. It was colossal—towering far beyond imagination, its height seemingly touching the heavens. No such tree had ever been witnessed before.
Drawn by its sheer magnificence, they decided to rest beneath it. Curiosity soon got the better of them, and they climbed its massive trunk, ascending higher and higher until they reached a great height.
Up there, a cool wind embraced them, soothing their exhaustion. Without realizing it, both of them fell asleep among the branches.
Suddenly, a strange sound echoed through the night.
Rudrasenan's eyes snapped open.
What he saw left him stunned.
Bermi, too, woke and followed his gaze.
From their vantage point, they witnessed a brilliant light descending from the sky. It shimmered in multiple colors, falling toward a single point in the distance. The sight was mesmerizing—otherworldly.
They watched, captivated…
And without even realizing it, sleep claimed them once more.
When morning came, the mysterious light was nowhere to be seen.
Determined to uncover its origin, they quickly set off toward the place where it had fallen.
But the path was treacherous.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them gave way.
Both of them, along with their horses, plunged into a deep pit. It was no ordinary pit—it was a sinking trap, pulling them further down with each passing moment.
They struggled desperately, but escape seemed impossible.
Just then—
A thunderous echoed through the pit.
Someone… or something… was there.