Memories of a Thousand Years
Poison

It's been over a week that Nirmala's been living in Mr. Budhi's house.

She considers Nirmala like her own daughter. 

Sometimes Nirmala saw Ayu, behind the fortress of Mandalika palace, and occasionally saw Dyah. 

The first meeting with Ayu was while at Sae herbal store, he asked Bayu to take rare herbs on the mountain whether Nirmala forgot his name. 

Ayu is the only daughter of the Wilis family. He is very friendly unlike other family members who are sometimes very arrogant and can sometimes be cruel. Everyone loves Ayu. Including Dyah. Dyah was the one closest to him. 

Bird news says that Dyah is the illegitimate son of Mr. Wilis. Or it could be said that Dyah and Ayu are different mother brothers, but nothing justifies the news of the bird. Everyone shuts themselves off from that.

One day Nirmala passed with Dyah who was about to go to the market. Buying herbs, he thinks Ayu is not feeling well. Coincidentally Nirmala was going to the Herbal store to meet with Bayu and they went together. 

Arriving at the herbal store, Bayu was no shop. Finally, Nirmala just escorted and accompanied Dyah alone.

They talked at length, they were getting closer, Nirmala was very happy, got a girl friend her age. 

Herbs that he bought were quite a lot. 

Nirmala helped bring some of it. To enter the palace.

As soon as he entered the gate, Nirmala rolled her eyes looking around, so luxurious and beautiful, there was even a vast flower garden inside her. 

"Well, it deserves to be called a palace, it is as grand as a palace"

It looks like a palace just not that big. Perhaps that is why it is called Mandalika palace, although in fact this palace is a private property of the Wilis family. 

Dyah said that he was short of energy, because some servants were on leave home, so everything was done by Dyah alone. Especially to meet Ayu's needs.

"Nirmala sorry to bother you. We actually lack energy. Most of the servants serving Ayu were on leave and returning home, so I had to work a little"

"I can help if needed"

"really? Well I feel very helped"

"Maybe there's really not much I can do. But I think it's better than just being done alone."

"You're right. Thank you very much"

They made something in the kitchen. Cooking for dinner, making herbs for family members of the willis. 

They are not sick but they take great care of their health by drinking herbal ingredients.

Behind the kitchen door someone peeked. his head leaned inside. with a smile, he called out "Dyah!!" Her unravelled hair was so neat and shiny, half her hair was bunched on her head, decorated with bross jasmine flowers made of silver. 

His round eyes seemed to sink when he smiled, the dimples were etched very clearly next to his cheeks. 

Very sweet thought nirmala. Anyone who sees it will fall in love. Likewise with him, just stare at him. Even Nirmala was still sculpting when Ayu was right just a meter in front of her

"Nirmala??"

"ah. yes."

That soft voice seemed to spread his daydream. She was completely different when she first met at the Sae Herbal Shop. 

He wondered if Bayu was not interested in this girl, he never even talked about it because it was necessary. 

"oh, ayu tea? ..."

"why bengong. oh you are the same Dyah already know each other turns out, since when?"

"tea's been around long enough"

Dyah pinched nirmala's sleeve, "you also know princess tea?"

"ah, he had met once in a sae herbal shop, but at that time I did not know that she was a daughter of the Wilis family. Until I asked Bayu directly after all the appearance at that time was very different, it looked elegant and beautiful but not as elegant as now.

Ayu ter small smile heard it. 

"Thank you. I'm so glad to hear it"

"oh. when you're done, accompany me yes, there are many things I want to ask you."

"me?"

"hm"

"oh. okay"

All work has been completed. Nirmala carried a small glass tray filled with herbs. Entering a room that is no less luxurious. Seen ayu looking out the window, the curtain curtain beside her waved in the wind.

"Teh, the medicine is ready" Ayu suddenly fell out of her daydream and approached.

Nirmala asked what she was thinking so she didn't realize she was coming.

"Call Ayu only. We're the same age."

"Dyah called you with the princess?"

"Yes, all the servants call me that. He won't call my name"

Ayu told a long story, as if she had just had a friend. 

In fact, he told me that He and Haris had been betrothed since a few years ago. 

Nirmala was a little surprised to hear that. The decision was made between two families. No one refused between Haris and Ayu. It's just that he seems to have no freedom in choosing a partner, even though Haris is not bad. Very good even. No gadia will resist hariis perhaps. A beautiful family. The only child of the Wijaya family and he has everything that others dream of. But Ayu had little doubt about the decision. But I don't mind either. In his heart he was still very ash-cubber.

"Well you're so close to Dyah?"

"Of course" answered ayu, "it's just that my father asked not to get too close to her"

"Why?

"don't know. It might have something to do with the bird"

Maybe he'll ban her too close to me, I'm just a stranger with no status. His mind started to spin.

But Nirmala is a little different, she gets the recognition and protection of two great families, even from Mr. Budhi. While Dyah is considered a servant, or a person with a low status. is not suitable to associate with the Princess of a large family.

Nirmala was upset by such a castration. 

They talked at length, laughing about the unnecessary. But ayu looks very happy.

Behind the door, Dyah peeked and listened to them speak, but never entered to join. His eyes withered, and then left. 

---------

Several times Nirmala came to visit, and they got closer,

As usual Nirmala came to bring herbs that had been brewed. 

This time Nirmala was sad. Ayu looked very pale, she was not well. Nirmala wondered if the herbs were not effective, or Ayu was too sick to have no effect on the herbs she drank every day. 

With that pale face Ayu could still smile. He was delighted with Nirmala's arrival.

Nirmala looked at something familiar. A book was wide open, one of its pages was a picture of an object. The carved jade of the moon and the sun. Nirmala curiously looked at the contents of the book. 

"You're interested in that?"

"What book is this?"

"Eitherway. It's just a myth. I don't understand the writing anyway."

Nirmala knows that. He even understood what was written there.

He carefully read one by one the book, read it in his heart. 

The book contained, the uniqueness of the Jade of Light and the power that was within it. 

The information in it is not much, just as the spirit of Laras said it was told. The jade had the power of protection and life and there was a uniqueness in that jade that was never solved. Every owner has his own power.

The last page says the jade was lost during a voyage to the Sunda mainland two hundred years ago. While the book itself was written a hundred years later according to hereditary stories. 

"Dye. Where'd you get this from?"

"my father was interested in it and wanted to find the jade, but I guess it's just a fairy tale book."

"Well I won't linger here. You need to rest"

"Please promise me you'll come more often"

"Mrs. Alright"

Nirmala met Bayu d shop, and told her about ayu. 

"Woodoo, I think Ayu is sick. He looks pale and limp. I'm worried about him"

"You're getting close to him?"

"He reminds me of my friend. I pay more attention to it. I think Haris should be told about Ayu. Sometimes he had to see her"

"All right, I'll tell Haris"

Suddenly came some envoys from the palace investigation team spread the announcement paper. Again about the presence of the eyes of the mongol army.

Reportedly, the eyes have foreign language skills. 

Bayu who was cool to hold herbs for sunbathing, suddenly stopped to see the messenger coming and gave him a piece of paper. 

"It just so happens that after I saw the English book yesterday, there was this kind of news, like it really was cornering me."

Instantly Nirmala thought hard.if it is like that then they are planning like that. And it seemed that they also suspected that Nirmala had the jade, because the always misty village of Sunyi changed after Nirmala and the others passed through the village. The only suspicious person is Nirmala.

"You speak English?" ask bayu.

Nirmala just kept quiet and drank a cup of tea on the table.

"Britain is so far from here it took months to reach that landmass. Uh, Nirmala, does anyone else know?"

"I just saw it. I didn't read it out loud." 

Nirmala was uneasy about all this

Nirmala took out a small pouch. only about 5cm in diameter had a circular rope made of strong tree bark, something encased in that small pouch, a smiley face, of course that's the picture Nirmala made. 

"Mayu, can I ask you a favor."

"what's wrong?"

Nirmala gave me the bag. "I want you to keep this for me. Wear this wherever you are. Don't let it go. It's something precious to me. Can you always take him?"

"If it's worth it why give it to me?"

"you know. Maybe they'll catch me in a minute. I don't want that thing destroyed with me."

"Why are you talking like that. No one else will catch you. Two families have already guaranteed that."

"There will always be bad people wherever we are. This time, here, wherever I am I feel insecure. I feel like I'm always being watched. So, please take good care of this. If anything happens to me, it's yours. You have to keep looking after her. Besides, maybe I'll go back to where I came from, we don't know, do we?."

"i'll take care of him, I'll take care of you, I won't let anything happen to you."

Nirmala smiles.

"don't ever open that bag..."

Nirmala's decision this time was already unanimous. 

In the next day, Haris and Tuan Wijaya came to visit the Palace. Visiting Ayu who is getting worse and worse. Of course Bayu also came, bringing herbal medicine to help his health. 

Nirmala was sad to see how she was. He did not know what pain he was suffering from, looking like acute anemia. Not even the court physician knew for sure what his illness was. Everyone began to think of mystical or evil magic. That makes more sense. It's harder to prove.

The two families were talking in the living room, not knowing what they were talking about. And the children were talking in the room. Everyone meets Ayu. Seeing his pale face that was increasingly long like a corpse. It's so sad to see him. Everyone felt Ayu was too strong, in this condition she could still keep smiling. 

Everyone hopes Ayu will recover soon. It was very sad to see this pretty cheeked girl lying limp. 

After everyone goes home. Dyah asked Nirmala to help him. This time Nirmala was intent on making herbal soup for Ayu. Giving from Bayu. 

Nirmala painstakingly made it, brewed it and served it to Ayu. 

That day Nirmala was very upset, feeling unsettled. Sweat gleaming on his forehead, 

Nirmala brought that cup of Herbs and fed them little by little. 

Ayu always wanted to be with Nirmala, Ayu always wanted to be cared for by Nirmala. Ayu no longer has a mother, and she feels lonely. Nirmala is no older than him. But she felt Nirmala was more mature, with Nirmala she felt an affection she never got. 

When Nirmala's heart fed her, she said "i'm very happy and grateful to know you" Ayu hugged Nirmala, a tear running down Ayu's cheek. So did Nirmala. Ayu was really happy, Even though she was sick, Nirmala was always there for her.

Dyah came and brought him water. You have to drink a lot to avoid dehydration. 

But Nirmala's grief this time was answered. Suddenly Ayu coughed and vomited, fresh blood came out of his mouth, everyone was shocked in disbelief, the servant who was accompanying him panicked. Ayu drooped limp on her bed shutting her eyes tightly. His face is fading. Nirmala unconsciously shed her tears again. 

Everyone panicked and came into the room. Including healers and Mr. Wilis. 

The doctor immediately examined him.

Ayu is very critical. Nirmala waited for the physician to speak. They all don't understand what a sick person really is. 

The physician scrunched his forehead. While his two fingers examined the pulse of his hand.

Instantly he examined the herbal cup that was on the table. 

In a high but slow tone, he asked "who served him" 

Dyah replied, "Nirmala made and served it, even bribed it. Almost every time nirmala comes along always do that."

Like a thunderbolt, the healer said, "herbs are poisonous." 

Nirmala. "Cannot be. Herbs were always brought from the Sae Herbal store, there was no way that it was poisonous" indeed, it made no sense if Bayu Ayu gave poisonous herbs. 

The doctor said "then how can there be poison in the glass.?"

"it's impossible that nothing was put into it. it's impossible" everyone checked the herbs that were still in the kitchen and it's true that the herbs had no problems at all. It was even the best herb in the city.

Mr. Wilis who had been panicking earlier, was getting worse. 

This time Nirmala could do nothing.she realized there was something wrong with this situation.

Something is wrong. Am I being framed? or is there something wrong with the way it is presented? Or something else I don't understand. His mind began to ask

Mr. Wilis "hold him" orders the wilis master to restrain Nirmala

Two people holding Nirmala's hand firmly "sick" she really will not be able to escape from these two people 

"Search him, find out if he's keeping anything!"

They were looking for proof of whether he was carrying poison or not. If found, it is finished. There is no way to stay alive. 

Mr. Wilis is known as a hard man. Not reprimanded and very cruel. Moreover, Ayu is the only daughter, her favorite. This time Nirmala will not be free.

A servant shouted "I found him sir!"

A waiter found something between Nirmala's obi belt, a paper containing black powder.

Everyone is shocked. The whole mind is claiming that it is poison. The doctor examined him. His brows furrowed he nodded his head. 

"No way. Sir I swear I don't know what it is...

"Hit him with the wood until he confessed"

A few punches he received, they came to a halt when Mr. Budhi came, asking for an explanation.

"Sir what happened?"

"Look at what your son did to Ayu. He tried to poison Ayu"

"What's? no way, he loves Ayu. I know that"

"The evidence and the witness are clear. He can't dodge"

Mr. Wilis signaled to continue the sentence.

"Sir how many blows should he take for this?" Mr. Budhi was worried that Nirmala could not hold him back.

"three hundred blows. Or until he confesses"

Mr. Budhi knew Nirmala would not admit something that was not his fault. Three hundred blows for a petite girl like her, a hundred blows she might not be able to withstand. Mr. Budhi thought hard how to save him.

Nirmala's tears flowed like a river, her tears made no sound. He can't defend himself.

this is not fair. This test moreover.

Master Budhi begged to stop this. "Sir, please forgive him sir. He won't be able to hold it. My master please"

"Then he could die as his punishment"

With a twist of words he persuaded Mr. Wilis to forgive him but that was impossible.

The healer came again after checking Ayu's condition.

Ayu. But it is really very weak. Everyone knows Ayu loves Nirmala. Ayu would be sad to hear all this. Especially if he heard Nirmala died because of her father. Mr. Wilis is well aware of that but the anger seems not to just disappear. He no longer wanted to see Nirmala. Even if he died it was a good thing for him

"I appreciate you because Ayu loves you. But I don't want to see you again. Disappear from the face of the earth."

That sentence seemed to provide an opportunity for Lord Buddha. He suggested something. "Master let him leave it to me, I'll handle it. I'll make sure Nirmala won't be here. I'll take her far away"

Dyah suddenly said, "what if he one day returns. Master isn't it just delaying Ayu's death. Maybe he'll come back to do this again"

The look on Mr. Wilis's face turned red as if his emotions had already peaked greatly. He was lured with the words of a servant.

Nirmala stared fixedly at Dyah, as if a thousand questions emanated from him.

"Take him away from the city. Go into the woods and kill him. Bring him his shirt as proof he killed a mountain bandit or a beast"

Nirmala was lying on the floor holding all the feelings in her body. The bones are like fragments. His heart was sliced even more painfully, why did Dyah speak that way.why did Master Budhi speak like that. But there was no sound from his mouth.

A black cloth covering his head made him unable to see anything.

It's too fast. He could not digest everything in an instant. 

Bayu, where is he. 

Dhika, help me.

What's the matter exactly.

Everything was stirring in his mind.

Bruk!!

Nirmala was dropped on a horse.

Lying on a slightly wet ground, somewhere like this. No houses, no roads, no trace of life so visible in the middle of the forest. Trees stand close to each other. All was seen when the cloth cover was removed. 

Two horses stood before him. Lord Budhi got off his horse, and approached. 

"You go first. I'll take care of this myself."

"Sir, are you okay? She's like a princess to you."

"That's why I'm gonna finish this. You go"

He asked the bodyguard to leave first, he did not want new soldiers like him to see things he had not gotten used to. 

Nirmala's tears had wet both of her cheeks.

He looked at the clingy Budhi master. Nirmala stood before him. He opened his sword, cutting the rope that tied his wrist.

The rope was painted red with a little blood.

"Mr Budhi, I didn't do it. There must be something wrong sir."

Lord Budhi drew his sword right in front of his face. Makes her feel as if her heartache is slicing up.

"The order of Lord Wilis is to kill you, I love you like my own purty. But I also don't want to kill you with my hands. Forgive me Nirmala." she lowered her sword

Nirmala grabbed her leg and hugged it as she walked away.

"Sir please don't leave me. Sir, please don't throw me out. Sir I beg you to take me back, there must be something to explain this. I'm innocent sir."

"I want to believe you. But everything's happened, I don't have the power."

Mr. Budhi stepped up. He climbed up his horse and turned away. Nirmala limped in pursuit, wept and cried out pleading with lord buddhi.

"Master, don't leave me, sir. I don't have anyone anymore"

"Master where should I go"

"Master don't throw me out. I beg.

"I'll do anything for you. Please don't go, sir"

He fell down and tried to get up. At a time like this, the only thing he thought about was Bayu, and Dhika. 

He was no longer able to run. I don't know where this is. He can only cry. His cries seemed to break the silence in the forest. The forest is scary. 

Something came out of the trees. A monster? Something that is not a living thing. Not even creatures from the earth. I don't know what it is. He's big and he's terrible. His mouth opened revealing irregular sharp teeth. The creature made him even more afraid. He ran. That thing must be dangerous. 

Something's shocking. A black-feathered arrow stopped its steps. Another mess almost hit his body.

The power's almost gone. Breathing as if it were not able.

But he kept trying to run, one arrow came again out of nowhere. He gave up on moving.

Will I die this time?

Is it by dying here that I'm going home?

Can I go back?

The thought instantly faded. An arrow flashed through his body. On the left shoulder, blood pierced through his clothes. It hurts so much. He's drooping down. Falling down in the grass. His eyes were still open.His breath was still blowing. His heart is still beating.

Someone stepped in, who knows, like in a movie he's seen.

Indian Tribe? or a tribe of cannibals? Or the monster?

I don't care. I'm tired.

His vision was blurred, and then dark.

Nirmala has not been found since.