Memories of a Thousand Years
Night Sky

Uncle Arif served jasmine tea and a plate of snacks.

Seriously, Mr. Budhi told me the details of each case. Nirmala doesn't really care about that. He was just busy eating a snack that was just served by Uncle Arif.

Mr. Budhi "i don't expect much of a boy like you. It's just that I don't have any other choice. Especially to someone who just ate from earlier and didn't listen to me at all."

Nirmala stopped chewing and immediately swallowed the food in her mouth. His eyes were staring at him. And back to ignoring it.

Bayu laughs at it "it's okay, Nirmala you can spend it"

Nirmala smiled and went back to pick up the snack.

Dhika "what should we do sir?"

Mr. Budhi "look for as much info as he has. You know this case is still unclear. Whether or not there's a connection to the ritual."

Someone knocked and entered, bowing respectfully to Lord Budhi

"General, there's new information" he stopped talking and looked at the teenager sitting with him. He was worried that this secret information was known to the common people.

"Not to worry. They're my trust. Report"

"We found again 2 locations traces of the ritual. In a village near the border of Mataram"

Dhika "according to what I heard. It can be concluded that all the formations are on the edge of the land Pasundan."

Lord Budhi asked the bodyguard "does all have the same symbol?"

"It's confirmed. All we got is the same formation"

Mr. Budhi "thank you for the report. You can come back"

Bayu "means we only need to know the function and the perpetrator. How about we try reimagining that formation?"

Dhika "has tried the ritual?" Dhika looked at the baby cynically

Nirmala "good idea"

Dhika turned to look at Nirmala

Nirmala "from the symbol alone maybe we'll know what the formation is. If you already know that, then we decide whether to try it or not"

Mr. Budhi "I'll try to piece together the clues. I'll let you know if I find any other leads. Bayu, try to find as much information about things such as symbols, heresies, summoning formations, rituals or the like. Dhika seeks information about suspicious matters in all communities, agencies or the like. And you're Young Miss, what can you do?"

Nirmala "none. Just do it yourself. I don't want to get involved... Uncle Arif thanks for the snack. It's delicious..."

Mr. Budhi "does he always not know such shame??"

Nirmala "is what I can do. I just don't know myself"

Dhika "you know more. Something we don't understand yet, sometimes you know it first."

Nirmala "haha thanks for the compliment. But I don't want to get involved"

Mr. Budhi "then I'll just ask you. I hope you answered it right"

Nirmala "well. I'll answer if I know"

Mr Budhi "about the poison, where have you seen it? How does it look, how do you wear it?"

Nirmala "hm. Sir, you know I can't remember who I am. Other things I might remember, maybe not. What you're asking is like it's hard for me to answer. I'm not sure when I saw that either. Might as well... You better ask me something else, hehe"

Sayu "what kind of answer it is, it doesn't help at all"

Nirmala "heee you should know this better. Don't you want to be the greatest healer. You have to learn that."

Bayu "you are..." Dhika interrupted amidst the vexation of the baby.

Dhika "I think he's right"

Bayu "what??... Why are you defending her??

Mr. Budhi "well I understand. I'll ask you something else"

Bayu pursed his lips in annoyance.

Mr. Budhi "I'm worried about one thing. Then I'll ask you this. You, really don't remember who you are?"

Nirmala "until now I don't remember anything about it. I even feel alien to the neighborhood. I'm....." He paused for a moment then continued in a soft voice and hesitated "i'm not from this age"

Everyone was amazed by the crazy things he said

Mr. Budhi "Dhika, you better keep an eye on him. He's very strange. I wish there were no bad things related to him. If he remembers who he is. If he's a traitor or a dangerous eye, you better kill him."

Nirmala was surprised to hear that. She simultaneously stood up "A Didn't I hear wrong?"

Lord Buddha stood up and left without answering.

Nirmala "Dhika??"

Bayu "Nirmala. No need to worry. You're not a bad guy. No one will hurt you." Bayu smiled

Both Dhika and Bayu, both understand what the lord Budhi is worried about. It's just that they didn't raise him. Dhika was silent. Bayu tries to calm Nirmala down. Panic will not cause good. For Dhika silence is the right thing.

-----

Nirmala came home right at dinner, as usual a simple dinner. But they never go hungry. Always be grateful for what they have.

Nirmala sat on the front yard bench. After cleaning all the dirty dishes. Looking at the star-studded sky. "It's really beautiful" she murmured.

Kang Iwan came over and sat down next to him. "When are you happy living here?"

"of course. Why ask that?"

"Just curious"

Kang iwan may be five years old over Nirmala but he looks very mature. He always understood the situation of this family. These neighbors are like a family. Inseparable.

"What don't I miss here? Everything is fulfilled. Never starve even though life is said to be poor. I can eat anything I want. Fruit, yams, cassava, fish, chicken. What can I not eat? The one in the ground, the one in the water above the ground I can eat as much as I can. How can I not be happy?"

"....."

Nirmala pointed to the sky "see, every night always accompanied by the moon and stars, they always illuminate. Listen!?. Even the night insects loudly sing for me to sleep. Every morning the chickens call me to wake up. Isn't this perfect?"

"....."

"When daylight is so beautiful, the earth is fertile, the water is clear, the air is fresh. What did I miss? I have good friends, good family, everyone loves me. How am I not happy?"

"You're right. I used to live in the capital. Life is harder there. Always be required to have money. Eating is difficult too. Not sepwrti here. What matters is that the stomach is fulfilled, that's enough."

"I'm happy to be with this family"

"By the way Nirmala thought you were not from the land of Pasundan. Judging by the way you speak, your behavior, your science. Maybe you're from the land of Java. Or the Sunda - Mataram border. Or maybe you're from across the island."

"But I understand Sundanese, and I don't understand Javanese, and I'm fluent in Malay. Some english. I can also read Arabic. And a little understand Japanese, korean, mandarin. Of course this confused me. If based on language. I tend to include Sundanese. I can't read kawi at all. But the letters of the alphabet I'm adept at." Nirmala was watching the apalun that she could. But Kang iwan seemed to not understand what Nirmala was talking about.

Kang Iwan "talk what you're talking about. I don't understand at all"

Nirmala "Kang Iwan, do you think someone can get lost into the past or the future? Or that kind of thing?"

Kang Iwan "that's it. If you have high science, you might be able to"

Nirmala "but I seem to be an ordinary person."

Kang Iwan "actually what do you want to talk about?"

Nirmala felt there was no point in asking further "ah forget it. I just just wanted to talk."

"One thing I believe in, I know you're not Nirmala. Whoever you are we are happy with you. But someday maybe you'll go back to where you came from"

"Hmmm. Probably not either. I'm not sure about that"

"What would you do if you remembered everything?"

"Eitherway. Let's just wait until the moment comes. I'll decide if I remember everything. Besides, I don't want to make Kake sad"

"Hmm so"

"I'm glad you're here, Nirmala" Kang iwan returns home while Nirmala still struggles with a tangled mind about the conversation earlier this afternoon.

Many things made his mind more confused. Especially the flash of his dream shadow, as if he was from the future. Nirmala sighed "a thousand years???" There is no point in thinking about the uncertain. It could have been just a dream.

Nirmala made the herbal tea that she had brought from the Sae Herbal Shop. she gave it to Kake Sapta who was closing the hole in her clothes. "Here to, let me just sew it. Kake had his tea."

Kake Sapta sipped the tea "Nirmala, no need to worry, even if only for a moment, kake felt happy you came."

Nirmala "Nirmala Kake's granddaughter, surely Nirmala will return the same Kake again" that sentence certainly has two meanings. Whatever Kake Sapta believes. That's what Nirmala will believe

Kake Sapta "live well, take care of your health, your life is still very long"

Nirmala nodded "yes, Nirmala will remember all of Kake's advice"

Kake Sapta "kake is so proud of you son. Kake loves you very much" Nirmala smiled and hugged Kake Sapta "Nirmala also loves kake"

Nirmala "Nirmala ask permission, tomorrow Nirmala join Kang iwan, help sell at the market."

Kake Sapta "of course son"

The more experience he gets, the more puzzle pieces he can put together. Nirmala must also be able to live independently to help Kake. Kake Sapta is too old to work. Perhaps this was the only thing Nirmala could do to repay all of Kake Sapta's kindness.

Meanwhile, Bayu daydreaming is still in the same place since Dhika and Nirmala came home.

Uncle Arif came and sat across the table "what are you thinking?? Seriously so."

Bayu let out a long sigh of "many things uncle. Bayu is now confused"

"Because of Mr Budhi? Because of Den Dhika? Ato because of Neng Nirmala?"

"Everyone uncle. Mr. Budhi was too cruel to say that Nirmala was the same"

"But there must be a reason, he also can not be rash if indeed the neng is not a bad person"

"Woodoo also feels wrong with Dhika"

"Jang, Den Dhika cares about you. Don't let your friendship stop because you don't believe in him"

"Not to believe, just Bayu himself is also confused about what to say. Mayu is afraid of admitting the wrong thing"

"Many prayers jang, do not let the wrong way "

"Yes uncle"

-------

Kang iwan works as a merchant, some of his merchandise is the care of Uncle Rai and Uncle Raka. They work together, Uncle Rai and Uncle Raka look for sales materials and Kang Iwan sells them. Since only Kang Iwan and Aunt Yuli can count, they help each other. This time Nirmala helped.

Kang Iwan's stall is not too small, enough to peddle various materials. If you look, the distance from Kang Iwan's stall and Sae's Herbal Shop feels quite far. But it's okay. Nirmala can go around occasionally if the merchandise is already ckup byak sold.

This time the merchandise is river fish, pheasant, vegetables, and a lot of tubers. Nirmala helped as much as she could.

Someone with good clothes came over, beautiful and graceful woman, wearing a dark red plain kebaya, batik cloth as her subordinates are wrapped neatly, embroidered tresses carved wooden soles, her hair is neatly shouldered, and her hair is well-worn, and a little makeup, very very pretty. Like a rich woman.

"Excuse me, can you tell me where Sae Herbal Shop is located?"

Nirmala was stunned to see the beautiful woman. "Ah. it's next-door"

"Can you take me there?"

Nirmala looked at Kang Iwan and he nodded. Let Nirmala go drive him.

"Hm. Sae Herbal Shop is quite famous here, but it can certainly be easy to find its place"

"My name is Mariam Ayu, you... Nirmala, right?"

Beautiful name he thought "Ah... Yes tea"

He smiled "call ayu only, it looks like we're the same age"

"From the many people in that market, you deliberately asked me? We don't know each other."

"I've seen you in a cloth shop. You're with two other people I know."

Nirmala remembered that.The only thing she had ever been to the cloth store was when the commotion broke out.

Arriving at the herbal store. Ayu apparently deliberately wanted to meet with Bayu.

Bayu "Jeeze, is there a problem? Why did you come here yourself?" The tray of herbs he was sorting out, he stored them on the shelf. In its place again. "Sit down, I'll make you some tea"

"You also sit down" Nirmala, who was about to set her foot back, stopped by Bayu's words. Nirmala sat down with Ayu.

Bayu put two cups of jasmine tea on the table. And sit across the table.

"What's up Ayu? Tumben once did you come here yourself? Mr. Wilis needs herbs again?"

Ayu smiled "rightly she wrote down some herbs that were needed. But as you can see. All is not easy to get" Ayu thrust a paper containing a list of Herbal plants. "And here are some messages from dad" proffering a golden enveloped letter.

Uncle Arif sat down "unusually suddenly like this. Is there a problem?"

"Dad said before going to meet first Mr. Wiriya and Mr. Wijaya to clarify the information."

"Den Ayu, the previous worker has not returned from home, and Bayu is still learning so...."

"That's why I came here myself. Bayu, can you help?... Of course it's up to you, if you'd like, I'd be happy"

Uncle Arif looked at Bayu with Worry but Bayu as if not thinking of anything "no problem"

Ayu smiled gracefully "thank you, then I'll go home"

Nirmala "want me to take you?"

Uncle Arif "Wood, why accept it, the herbs are far and the path is not safe"

Bayu "no problem uncle, I want to be a great healer, I have a lot to learn. This is a chance for me."

Uncle Arif "but you know what this all means?"

Bayu smiled "yes. It's okay uncle. Tomorrow I'll see Mr. Wiriya before I go home."

Nirmala "i don't understand, I'll be back"

Bayu "ehh wait for Nirmala, tomorrow. You're coming too, aren't you?

Nirmala "ha?? Why should I come?"

Bayu "your head is still not well, I know a great healer might be able to help you remember again"

Nirmala "oh, all right"

Uncle Arif became relieved to hear that Nirmala was coming. "Well, I'm not worried about you two leaving anymore."

Nirmala "hmm Bayu, who is Wiriya sir?"

Bayu "oh, you don't know?" Bayu again picked up the herbal tray and sorted his milk on the table "he's Dhika's father"

"His father?? Why did you have to see Dhika's father first?"

"Eitherway. We'll know after we meet him"

"That means we're going to his house, huh?"

"True, we're going to pay a visit to Wiriya's extended family"

"Then who is Lord Wijaya"

"My foster father"

Nirmala chokes while drinking her tea. Hearing that was a bit of a surprise to Nirmala "Your foster father?"

"really. I haven't been home in a long time"

"Woman, who is that? Why does Uncle Arif have so much respect for him"

"Your head is still not right. Things like this you should have known. What you're asking is all those famous people, how you don't know at all"

"Ish. I may not live here. Just answer what I'm asking"

"Maryam Ayu, the only daughter of Mr. Wilis. And Mr. Wilis is Mandalika in this region"

"What is the Mandalika?"

"Nor do you know?"

"Where do I know"

"Mandalika is a kind of title for the local government appointed by the kingdom"

"Hooo feels really foreign to me"

"Home home ready for tomorrow morning to go"

"Hm. Yes yes. I'm going home "

-----

Nirmala and Bayu went early in the morning to the Wiriya residence. It is a very long distance. At least for Nirmala, her tiny legs feel tired. Maybe Bayu is used to this.

"We've arrived?" Nirmala asked who followed in the footsteps of the baby entering a large gate.

"Mrs. We reach the Wiriya family residence."

"Ah. I'm tired, I wonder why not just hire a horse carriage. It's a pretty long distance."

"Stop complaining. And keep your attitude here. The Wiriya family is a large family, a rich family, authoritative, and many of them become government management units, or get important positions."

"really??" Nirmala was very impressed, deservedly dhika very looks authoritative. "Then with you? Your family?"

"I'm just a foster kid"

Bayu is from a well-respected family as well, just like the Wiriya family, but Bayu can not hang his life under the family name, he realized that he was just an adopted child. In fact, Bayu thought he should be devoted to the family, because they were he could live well.

A worker comes over and looks down respectfully "lord Bayu, want to meet with mister Dhika?"

Bayu nodded "meeting Mr. Wiriya as well"

"Please wait a minute" the worker left. Nirmala and Bayu wait in the front yard that is not the main area.

"What are you and Dhika close to?" Nirmala asked again.

"mmm. We are rivals who can never be matched. Always be balanced in anything. But after school is over. We choose each other's path. I want to study medicine, and Dhika just wants to be a scholar, wants to be a teacher for the younger generation. I feel a little sorry for him, even though his dream is like that but the Dhika family's demand is to become a swordsman or leader of Puragabaya or at least be able to serve the palace. Far from his will.

"Is that why he always carries a sword?"

"Rightly a swordsman was identical to the weapon he was carrying"

The worker came back "sir, please come this way"

They followed the waiter. Nirmala was fascinated by how vast and serene the atmosphere there was. Entering a large gate, there are several large buildings such as made of teak wood, the interior and exterior are very elegant with a natural feel. Passing through several large buildings, past the koi fish pond, very beautiful and very beautiful, Nirmala turned her gaze around looking at all directions, her face smiling very happy to see the beautiful Wiriya residence.

Until arriving at a building, there is a name panel on it 'sandana' of course nirmala can not read it, Bayu who tells the meaning of the writing.

Nirmala and baby were sitting in the sandalwood room. The unique interior.

The sound of water pool sounds. Sometimes the sound of birds singing. The breeze stroking the leaves was heard, what a very calm atmosphere, indeed the right residence for a Wiriya.

Dhika comes with a middle-aged man, his Uncle Dhika. Wiriya Baskara. Steady stature, calm as water, yet firm as the waves. Clothes with similar styles to each other, yet she looked more dignified. Of course he was an influential person in his territory, even he often came on call to the Sunda Palace. Really great family.

But his facial line is more firm than Dhika who is very calm.

Baskara "have not met for a long time, last I remember you always messing up at school."

Nirmala was astonished to hear that, it was unexpected that Bayu used to be like that.

Bayu "it's the past"

Baskara "how did you manage to get it this time?"

Bayu "of course it's not difficult"

Baskara "you've always been like that. Too relaxed and considerate of something"

Bayu "aihh is not like that, I just enjoy it, haha"

Baskara "Then who is this beautiful girl?"

Nirmala "my name is Nirmala, sir."

Baskara looked at Dhika "oh, Nirmala, Dhika once told me about you."

Not as hard as it seems to be he was very friendly to Nirmala, but a little hard on Bayu. Seeing their talk there are some things that are not liked by Mr. Baskara to Bayu, of course Bayu is always relaxed and installment, but still many people who recognize the ability of Bayu, but still many people who recognize the ability of Bayu, both from martial arts and medical science now.

Bayu "Master I was asked to meet with the Head of the Wiriya Family to complete the information. Is he not in place?"

Baskara "beliau is in the capital. Let me complete the information for you. Is he coming with you?"

Bayu "right. She's with me"

Dhika "Nirmala, we're talking outside."

Dhika came out of the room and Nirmala followed her. Actually Dhika is okay to listen, but she prefers to accompany Nirmala outside.

Nirmala sat by the fish pond. Both of his hands held his chin. His eyes were cool following every movement of the fish in the pond.

Dhika asks "Why are you coming?"

"Of course out of curiosity, and no work. It can fill my free time a little bit"

"You... How close does this have to do with Bayu"

"There is no relationship, just friends" after all, Nirmala thought she would not be in the world for long, Nirmala had to go home.

Nirmala asked back.

"He saved my life a few times. But the baby never realized it."

That's Bayu, he's just helping, no indebted thoughts or anything. The right man to be a healer.

Dhika continued "whatever the baby did I will support him"

Dhika good friend thought nirmala.she even felt envious of her friendship.

Nirmala and Bayu left the place and rushed to the Wijaya family residence. It was unexpected that Dhika also took part in the trip this time.

The journey was long and exhausting. It was getting dark when he arrived at the town where Bayu lived. The sun was falling to hide.

They walked through the city center, more crowded than Nirmala used to feel, Mreka stopped at a shop, because they could not stand the whining of Nirmala who continued to talk about the stomach and food. How else. Along the way did not find a store, only when it reached the city were many shops scattered in every street.

Nirmala felt bad. Mreka both had to buy him a meal this time and for the future of course because nirmala did not bring any money. After all, he had no money at all. Fortunately they do not mind and lucky again all paid by Dhika. If seen again, dhika looks very beautiful, maybe more beautiful than women. His face was pure white, his eyes sparkled, his fur was long and beautiful, his lips pink, his nose was long bony, sometimes Nirmala was envious of his beautiful face. Of course his sharp eyes made everyone become reluctant to be close to him.

That day there is an annual festival to perform the rain welcoming ritual. They don't know why it hasn't rained yet. According to the dates they believe. It should have started raining a few weeks ago, but after the storm it never rained again.

The field is getting dry. The public began to panic and worry, the sign of rain is still not seen again. Then the festival this time is to beg for rain to fall faster.

Nirmala "Dhika, thank you for paying for my food. You know, I have absolutely no money."

Bayu "you never had any money"

Nirvana "ish. Do you have any?"

Dhika "tells tonight there's a festival begging for rain."

Bayu "right but I think it's completely useless. If it is not raining yet, it will not rain. The astronomy of this country is still too stupid."

Nirmala "you talk like you know everything"

Bayu "was so. Come bet with me, Dhika you can also follow, hehe"

Nirmala "bet what?"

Bayu "when do you think the first rain will fall???, you can think first, tomorrow night we make a bet, huh?"

Nirmala "ah. what can I bet"

Dhika "ayo continue the path."

They finished their meal and continued their journey. This time it was not too far to reach the Wijaya family residence. Just stay through the town square.

Nirmala was happy to see the crowd there. Sometimes they are far apart. In the crowd the festive atmosphere. To walk was a bit difficult, too many people lost track of Nirmala.

This time Nirmala became a lost child, yet she did not panic. Looking for a way to the house of Wijaya, just ask. Such a big family name must be known by many.

Suddenly the nirmala collided with an adult male, carrying a bamboo rod, dressed in blue green, long as a robe, his eyes covered with a piece of cloth, his back crossed a bow and arrow. The waist hangs a sword.

Nirmala felt strange about that person, she was blind, but carrying such a weapon, was absurd. But Nirmala didn't care.

Nirmala "Ah, sir, I'm sorry I really didn't accidentally." He stood up and helped the man back up.

"It's okay, I'm fine"

"Where will you go? It's getting dark, sir"

"Really?, then I'll find an inn"

In a crowded place like this must be difficult to walk especially for blind people like him.

"Let me interlord"

"Thank you"

They walk slowly. But they are blocked by local thugs, no wonder there are always bad people like this. They are barking, threatening, asking for all the valuables they have, fortunately nirmala has nothing. So does this guy.

The thugs "give you everything you've got and I'll let you through"

Nirmala "is this your street?"

Thugs "really, all the streets here are mine."

Nirmala "you picked the wrong target, poor people like us have money."

True, the poor don't have what they're looking for, but these thugs aren't people with high martial skills. The nobility certainly had at least a personal bodyguard or had martial arts. No wonder the target of little thugs like them was a small person as well. Who cannot fight. Can only give everything they have even though they are considered worthless.

The toaster was reckless. One by one raise his fists. Fights happen too. Either way, Nirmala's reflexes are very good. Easily dodged can even retaliate against his attack. He borrowed the man's bamboo cane and beat up about 5 of them. I don't know where Nirmala got that kind of power. He just used to swing, but it worked. And they ran off the ridge.

After finding his inn Nirmala had a little chat with him.

He was a traveler, but he did not mention what the search was.

His name was "Wouse" his face was pale without the slightest hue. Nirmala can't stay there. Gotta find Bayu and Dhika soon. The family advised, on the way this time, he must be careful, because the forest is an unexpected place. The fog is a place of illusion.

How strange. Nirmala didn't talk about anything with her, but she knew she was going to the forest.

He also ordered. To be careful of people who are newly met. Someone can be very good, but have a bad heart and intent. He also said that they would meet again next time.

Maybe she was a psychic, Nirmala thought.

He also left.