JAYABAYA: The Journey of Being a Legend
Food Stalls at Junction

Resi Simharaja was immediately silent for a moment hearing Jaka Umbaran's question. Although he had actually seen the form of Lord Vishnu in Jaka Umbaran, but he could not necessarily say that Jaka Umbaran was indeed a descendant of Prabu Bameswara.

His ability is still not able to see the past of Jaka Umbaran so he does not dare to justify that the words of the Goddess of Winds the Demon Queen of the South Sea is true.

"To be honest, as a fellow demon, I am less confident in the words of the female demon, Ndoro Pendekar.

But he seemed to have something he knew about the blue cloth embroidered with gold thread to say such a thing. We can believe it may not be his talk because only Prabu Bameswara knows his true truth. That's my advice, Ndoro Umbaran", said Resi Simharaja immediately.

Mmmmmm..

"If you think about it, your words are true also Resi Simharaja. We better hear the words of the Queen of the South Sea earlier but do not need to believe fully. Perhaps it is better if we immediately continue the journey to Kotaraja Daha to find out directly from Gusti Prabu Bameswara", Jaka Umbaran immediately stepped towards his horse after saying so. Fortunately, the deep wounds from his brief fight with the South Sea demons were not severe until he was still able to continue on. Resi Simharaja immediately followed the steps of the leader of the group, as well as Gendol who had just cleaned his face that was silt. The three of them immediately kicked their horses leaving the place.

Once in the Duchy of Bhumi Sambara City, the three stopped by briefly to a large market to buy some dry food also filling their stomachs that began to rumble. After that, they continued their journey eastward. Although there were several pairs of eyes that had looked towards the three of them, but nothing happened.

Beautiful natural scenery lies before the eyes, accompanying the journey of Jaka Umbaran and friends to the east. High hills towering along with lush trees became a common sight that they passed. Down the highway leading to the border of the Duchy of Bhumi Sambara and Duchy of Wengker, the chirping of birds and the boisterous sound of wild monkeys sounded unpretentious as if to be their own entertainer. By late afternoon, they entered the area of Wanua Selogiri which became the last resident settlement on the easternmost boundary of the Duchy of Bhumi Sambara. Because after crossing the Wulyu River or what we know today as the Bengawan Solo River, they entered into the territory of the Duchy of Wengker.

Jaka Umbaran stared towards the northeast where Mount Lawu looks like it is waiting for him. He recalls his childhood spent with the teacher who had taken care of him from the baby.

"Ndoro Pendekar, what are you?", asked Gendol who saw his master was stunned staring at Mount Lawu in the distance.

"Ah it's okay, Ndol..

Just a memory of that childhood in the north of the mountain. Hah, how nice it is to stay with the teacher at Watu Bolong Hermitage. It feels like just yesterday I'm still training with the teacher. I don't know what he is doing right now" said Jaka Umbaran as he continued to look at Mount Lawu in the distance.

"Yes pray that he will always be healthy, Ndoro Pendekar.

For sure now he has heard a little bit of the big name Ndoro Pendekar and I am sure he will be very proud of what Ndoro Pendekar is doing" said Gendol in a smart style.

"Well this is the second time you've spoken Ndol.

It is suitable to be a brahmin. When do you want to ascend to achieve perfection of life?", said Resi Simharaja who immediately made Gendol mendelik kereng.

"Eh old tiger, if you say no carelessly. Who wants to go to a place in the middle? It's delicious.", grumbled Gendol while snorting coldly.

After stopping for a while at the Wanua Selogiri boundary, the three soon entered the nearest residential settlement because it was no longer possible to continue the journey. Fortunately, there was one of the residents who kindly gave a place to spend the night. Until they no longer need to bother looking for a place to rest that night.

Orange light in the eastern horizon is a sign that the morning has come. The sound of the rooster crow sounded earthy as if it wanted to wake up all the inhabitants of Wanua Selogiri. Birds began to sing with a beautiful chirp on the twigs of trees that grew around the settlement.

That same morning, after thanking the kindness of the residents of Wanua Selogiri who gave a ride overnight, Jaka Umbaran and friends say goodbye. They immediately rushed towards the crossing that connects the Duchy of Bhumi Sambara with the Duchy of Wengker. The river water height is only a few horses until they do not need the help of a crossing tool to reach the Duchy of Wengker.

They immediately headed east according to the instructions of the residents they met. Their goal was to get to the east of Mount Wilis as soon as possible. Tracing the road at the foot of Mount Lawu to the south, they moved towards the Duchy of Wengker City. Passing through several women and residential communities such as Wanua Joho and Soco, by midday they reach Wanua Pohpelem which is a crossroads leading to Lewa and Wengker.

"Ndoro Swordsman, we stop first huh? Hungry" said Gendol while stroking his stomach which continues to make sounds since coming out of Wanua Soco.

"Do you know this area Ndol?", asked Jaka Umbaran as soon as he pulled the reins of his horse.

"If we go straight to Wengker City. But if we turn left we will enter Pakuwon Sukowati which entered the territory of the Duchy of Lewa.

It was thought later Ndoro Pendekar. We better stop for a while to rest. The food stall is visible from here", Gendol pointed to a food stall near the intersection. Seen some horses tethered on the deck in the yard while the food stall seemed full of visitors.

"My stomach still needs to be filled with rice and side dishes, Old Tiger.

I'm not like you can eat enough for one week. I wonder, actually your cache can fit how much food anyway?", ridiculed Gendol immediately.

"You..."

Don't make a fuss. Let's rest first. Ndol, you lead in front because you paved this road" said Jaka Umbaran mediate the debate between the two of them. Gendol stuck his tongue out at Resi Simharaja before running his horse towards the food stall.

After tethering their horses, the three of them went straight into the food stall. The arrival of the three of them immediately got the attention of the food stall visitors. Some people immediately returned to continue their eating but there were two pairs of eyes that continued to look towards Jaka Umbaran and friends. The two people immediately whispered softly. After which, the two people immediately came out of the food stall without finishing their meal after putting some copper chips on the dining table.

While Jaka Umbaran and friends after ordering food, immediately find a seat at the dining table in one corner of the room of this food stall.

"Are you sure you want to join the competition, Kang Tirto?

The prize is tempting for anyone who follows it. He became the son-in-law of Duke Lewa and gained the position of army leader. But the risk is very high. Not just the lackey robber, but the Black Crow of the Thousand Arm", said a swordsman who had a pair of swords on his back while staring at a handsome young man who was carrying a machete that had a silver handle carved into the head of a wolf. Their conversation was heard clearly by Jaka Umbaran and friends who were sitting not far from where they were.

"Fear what, Sudhana?

I'm Tirtonolo, the Mocker of the Silver Wolf, wouldn't be afraid of anyone let alone if it was for one big purpose. Besides, my fellow students from Padepokan Bukit Asam are also ready to support me to quell the group of security rioters.

If I manage to crush the Black Crow Horde, of course I will become the son of the Duke of Wangsakerta's son-in-law and be appointed as the courtier. Therefore, will you help me Sudhana? If we combine forces to fight the Black Crow Horde, the chances of winning will be greater. I will definitely raise you as my right hand in the army of the Duchy of Leva if you are willing to join" said the stocky man named Tirtonolo the Silver Wolf Golok Swordsman fieryly.

"The back of Tirtonolo is like a brother to me. Moreover, Kakang once saved my life so I will not mind if I have to return the favor that Kakang gave", said Sudhana the Twin Swordsman immediately.

"Good then..

After this you come with me to Padepokan Bukit Asam. My brothers and sisters are waiting for us there. Great success awaits us both, Sudhana hahahaha", Tirtonolo's loud laughter was immediately greeted with laughter by Sudhana, his friend and ally. The two immediately ate the dish with great zeal. After that, the two of them immediately left the place.

"Wah apparently there is a contest loh Ndoro Pendekar. I had also heard that in the Duchy of Lewa there was a security problem due to the emergence of the Black Crow Horde that robbed the population settlements around the Duchy of Lewa. Well, he said there was also that contest. Only I am less clear eh two village heroes just explained it.

Ndoro not interested in coming?", asked Gendol while chewing the thigh of the roasted chicken that became his order earlier.

"Yesterday, Begawan Sidicarita said that there are some people who are in need of my help. Maybe this is what he meant.

We'd better..."

Jaka Umbaran had not yet finished his speech, from the entrance of the food stall, from the direction of the food stall, some people who were wearing black clothes with red headbands and were also followed by a skinny old man wearing a red cloth coat came over. Apparently two people who were whispering softly earlier who came with some people following him. He immediately pointed towards Jaka Umbaran.

"Big teacher, isn't he Jaka Umbaran?"

Jaka Umbaran immediately turned his head towards the source of the voice and saw some people dressed in black with those red headbands. He knew very well the skinny old man who was wearing a red cloth coat and looked at him with great hatred. Smiling faintly, he immediately said,

"God of Red Kalong, the,

What do you need to come here?"