Sword of Slaughter findsus at an exciting cliffhanger following the end of Book 3 - have Vandhiyathevan and Arulmozhi Varmar truly been saved? What of their fate in the land of their birth, Chozha Nadu? Are the Pazhuvettarayars truly stirring the country in a revolt against their favourite prince? Why does the alluring Nandhini Devi insist on meeting allies within crumbling palaces? Why does Madhuranthaka Thevar ride his stumbling horse through fields, on a rainy night? And why does Vanathi, that shrinking, timid violet, leave her charming mentor to go on a solitary journey? Then, there are our trusted friends, whose fates are also unclear: Is Sundara Chozhar still bedridden? What of the canny Anbil Aniruddhar and his cunning disciple Azhwarkkadiyaan? And what of the light of the Chozhas, princess Kundhavai herself?