Nusantara Throne - Senandung Kebangkitan
Ruswara
Guests flocked to enter the palace gate like a black sea. The horses were as black as soot, with riders in copper colours, fifty in number. The group consisted of one of the commander of the archipelago named Pragantara and soldiers who swore allegiance to Patih Mahardhika. On their waists a soft silk fluttering scarf bearing a shiny bronze-colored sun.
Ruswara did not know many members of the army. The name Pragantara only ever originated as a frontline brave warrior when the war of gods broke out fifteen years ago. His figure was tall and bear-like, using kawaca and bronze bracelets, walking slowly with his horse leading the party.
Pragantara then jumped down from his horse to King Sanjaya without kneeling, “There is an important order from King Mahardhika for all the allied kings in Emerald.”
Coughing, King Sanjaya replied, “Praise our palace for the arrival of the troops of the kings of all kings. Please, make our kedaton as a convenient stopover.”
Ruswara imagined that if he were the king standing before Pragantara, he would answer differently. They never considered us and always demeaned Tarlingga, but now they come like a hungry dog asking for a bone.
As soon as the official reception was over, the troupes tethered their horses at the palace stables, then entered the kedaton to the banquet hall.
Pragantara snorted, “East is always hot and dry, it is sad, how can you survive in this hell land?”
“Dry season is heavy,” King Sanjaya admitted. “But this country never runs out of tuak.”
King Sanjaya then snapped his fingers, as the ladies-in-waiting brought the dishes to the wide rectangular table. Various poultry steamed with spices lemongrass and cloves, as well as dry sweet fruits and toddy served one by one.
Pragantara downed the wine in one gulp and exhaled a long breath, “It feels good, although a little more acidic.”
The nobles of the archipelago are indeed known to be arrogant and tasteful, such babble is not at all right for King Sanjaya. As soon as King Sanjaya held back his sour face, he was slightly offended. Beside him Mpu Moro cleared his throat, wanting to mediate.
“Yang noble commander,” Mpu Moro said respectfully. “Verily we are honored to serve your accompaniment, but of course we want to know the purpose of your arrival all the way to the country in the East.”
Pragantara lifted his legs up to jerk the banquet table and leaned on a chair made of teak, “King Mahardhika gave the mandate to the allied kings in Emerald, about the news that has been conveyed on the rontal sheet that I showed.”
“But how can?” Mpu Moro wants to make it clear.
“What?” Pragantara turned his eyes to King Sanjaya. “Did your advisor have been too udzur until he became so stupid?”
“Master, do not diminish my respect, which I mean about how Princess Sri Nirmala can disappear.”
“Bneed that detail delivered?” he said while folding his arms.
The look on the faces of the Tarlingga soldiers almost changed, but the situation of the banquet hall was very difficult to guess. The soldiers of Nusantara had stiff and arrogant faces. Making air inside the banquet hall became increasingly disturbing.
“The full moon squad took him, we admit we were off guard, they managed to infiltrate aided by the dick spy and disguised themselves as a champion arena audience right on the day of Princess Nirmala's naming. I understand, because the cowardly way it makes us off guard, Pragantara” sharp-faced grinning.
“Really a bad incident, even my ancestors hated such means,” King Sanjaya laughed proudly, which in reply laughs laugh ridiculously from the soldiers of the archipelago.
“Currently Nirmala's whereabouts are still unknown, our spies call her sighted across the North, but some others believe the full moon forces also have a hideout in the East.”
“Could it?” ask King Sanjaya.
“Why did you ask me? You inhabitants of this desert land, you who know this region better, even the rats of the full moon can build their nests under the sand dune,” Pragantara scorn, while tapping his fingers on the table.
Once again King Sanjaya felt humiliated. He felt a little lost in patience and was intent on expelling the arrogant warrior.
“If there is indeed a clue, we will immediately help find and hunt down Princess Nirmala's captors, as this concerns our pride as an allied kingdom,” Mpu Moro said in a sad tone.
“Smart blister,” said Pragantara, he took the wine cup and gulped it down in a loud voice. “By the way King Mahardhika prepares gifts for anyone who manages to find Princess Nirmala safely.”
King Sanjaya's nose seemed to grow sniffing the word, “What is that? Mention.”
“Harta and honor.”
“Unfortunately Tarlingga already has it all,” without a doubt King Sanjaya replied defiantly while coughing. “There are things I want more than a shiny jewel mound.”
Pragantara was almost stunned, but he snorted disdainfully, according to him the ally king he was facing now was just an old man who was about to end.
“Tell me, the king of the arid desert ruler, Sanjaya Putra Manjaya,” his tone is mocked.
“I want Nirmala to be betrothed to my first son, Mahendra.”
The statement invited the grin of the soldiers of the archipelago. While Pragantara did not speak, he stood up from his seat, swinging his way towards King Sanjaya.
“Your request is bold, old man,” his words stopped, he took King Sanjaya's cup and drank his wine. “Can be considered.”
“What is it really?” Mpu Moro asked, his heart feeling unsettled.
“If indeed his son is able to save Sri Nirmala, it can be a consideration for the king himself, even he will choose a prospective husband who is willing to spill blood for his daughter.”
After that Pragantara immediately swung a step, about to leave the banquet hall.
“Wait,” Mahendra interrupts.
Pragantara.
“What else is it?”
“For the sake of honor, what clue could Mr Pragantara give to hunt down that full moon bastard?”
Pragantara smiled wryly, she started to get a little irritated. The hot air in the Tarlingga neighborhood made him sick and was about to leave the cursed kingdom immediately. But arrogantly he tried to control himself.
“The full moon squad has spies all over the country, it's your business to find them, it could be that one of your people is them. Do as you please.”
Pragantara then clapped his hands, as soon as the soldiers of Nusantara stood up and marched, leaving the banquet hall. He could not think of a farewell or other formal greeting, all he wanted was to leave Tarlingga immediately.
“If not for Mahardhika, Nusantara is just a bunch of low nobles,” cetus Raja Sanjaya after making sure there is not a single soldier of the archipelago in his hall.
At least, now comes the question that baffles, where should they start looking for Princess Nirmala? This continent was as vast as an ocean with mysteries and unspoiled intricacies. Even the king himself was not convinced Nirmala was around the land of Tarlingga.
Mahendra with petenteng steps, approached the king.
“Ayahanda I am ready to carry out that task,” he said pretending.
“Don't be rash, even this drought is enough to make me dizzy. I was too lazy to think about Nirmala, I thought it would be easier to apply for her directly than to have to look for her all over the country, motherfucker Mahardhika.”
King Sanjaya called the lady-in-waiting to bring the wine jugs.
“Didn't my father hear any clues from Pragantara? Maybe the residents out there know something.”
At first Raja Sanjaya seemed unconcerned, but a coughing attack struck again as he dipped the wine with a small cup, “True, right. You better get to the village this afternoon, they threatened, maybe the full moon rat will come out confess.”
“That is not a wise way, Your Majesty,” by Mpu Moro.
“Already! Do you want to waste the chance on those bastard lords? At least I don't need to bother heading to Nusantara.”
“What I am worried about is the integrity of this glorious kingdom,” said Mpu Moro in a husky voice. “What if the full moon army becomes a dangerous enemy for this kingdom?”
“We have the Nusantara Kingdom as an ally.”
“What allies have cared for us all this time father?” Ruswara now spoke, having observed for so long. “What honor to Tarlingga obtained by spreading threats to our people?”
“Sadik, your words are getting worse similar to your face,” Mahendra is starting to get irritated.
The word Mahendra spoke was intact in his mind. Ruswara bit her lip, she did not want her emotions to break desecrating the sacred hall where her ancestors negotiated for her people all those years ago.
“Now say kakahanda, do you want to be a hated prince?” ask Ruswara.
“What are you afraid of the hatred of those dirty people? They stand in the land of Tarlingga, as long as we are in control, we are their ruler!”
“Taste is enough,” Welino does not stay silent.
“What do you want my ugly sister? You want to be king? You won't be able to! I am the first son!”
Mahendra knelt down with a grin, “Okay father, I will meet the residents. If I manage to find the spy, should I drag him to my father's palace grounds?”
“To you, don't let him die before you find out where Nirmala is hidden.”
Mahendra stood up, he ordered some soldiers to escort him towards the village, “ see you again, bastard sister.”
Ruswara looked at King Sanjaya as if hoping his father would open his heart.
“Ayahanda...”
“Enough, I will return to my room,” he rose up leaving the hall room with staggered steps while grumbling the wine jug.
Behind him Mpu Moro followed, while facing Ruswara, he shook his head, his eyes glazed over as if tears were about to be shed.
A wry smile emerged from the lips of Ruswara, he was irritated, in the face of the magnificent ceiling of the hall, with various carved carvings with various motifs. The palace looked luxurious and ancient, but it was being hit by a tremendous pain.
“Welino, I will visit Pancha's son, I beg you to watch Mahendra if he acts excessively, you know where to meet me,”.
“Hamba ready to implement.”
While Ruswara wanted to put Mahendra aside, he was reminded of Pancha's son. Ruswara then rode from the palace to the house of Pancha on the edge of the village. He saw that the young man ten years older than him was cleaning up livestock manure. His clothes were only a dirty woven cloth that bound his waist. His face was grim with thick eyebrows, sickle scars transverse from both of his arms.
The young man immediately lowered his head while half on his knees, but a look of sadness emanated from his face. She said softly, “Pardon me for this situation, how can I help you, Mahamantri Ruswara?”
“No problem, is it true that you are the first son of Pancha?”
The hero seemed uncomfortable with it, he scrunched his forehead. However, the image of Ruswara for the villagers was very kind and fragrant, making Wira attract a small smile.
“True sir, please stop by inside, out here the smell of our cattle is very disturbing.”
“Thank you.”
Upon arriving in the modest room, Ruswara observed a variety of cattle utensils hanging on the wall, such as sickles, hoe forks, and slaughtered machetes. Just like other rural houses, the floor of the Pancha house is only bare sand. During that silence, Wira continued to peek at Ruswara hesitantly.
“Verily my arrival to deliver the good news about your father.”
The gloom came back to the face of Wira, “I have been sincere.”
“No, it is not yet time for you to renounce Pancha.”
A moment back Silence cried out.
“What do you mean?”
“Pancha is still alive, the news of death is just a cheat for my sister,” Ruswara said. Silently noticed the relief that emanated faintly from the face of the Hero.
“Praise, bless you Mahamantri Ruswara. Where is father now? How is he doing?”
Ruswara's face turned tense, “His injuries improved, only Pancha still had to settle in the palace, the chaotic state of the palace lately could threaten Pancha's life once again, even other residents.”
Wira mute as if to understand what happened in the palace environment in recent months, “Hamba do not know how I have to repay your kindness Mr.”
“No, no. I do not expect a return of gratitude from my people in the midst of this suffering,” Ruswara looked at Wira with a cold gaze. “There is something I want to ask, about the secrets in the village.”
The hero gritted his teeth, a mixed feeling instantly swirled in his mind. The soul then breathed a long breath, as if it had guessed the words.
“What did the father say?” he asked resignedly.
“Whatever the secret is, believe me my heart is on your side, not on my father's power.”
The hero is unceasingly indulging in relief. Although there was a spark of fear, he trusted Ruswara.
“Hamba fears there will be a rebellion in the near future Mr.”
Ruswara smiled thinly trying not to be surprised, he realized the upheaval in Tarlingga would certainly ignite the seeds of resistance.
“It's confirmed?”
“Not yet, but they are whispering about sharp tools,” reply Wira. “Therefore I was busy honing the tools a few days today.”
“Do not do it first as long as Mahendra is still in the palace environment.”
“Unfortunately I cannot temper their hatred, Mr.”
Ruswara bit her lips, “To be honest I also intend it like that, but things always turn like a vortex. There are things that happen just as messy in Nusantara.”
The face of the spirit shows interest.
“About what is Mr?”
“Princess Nirmala kidnapped by a group of naysayers.”
Wira staggered, instantly her fingers vibrated, “Master Wikrama succeeded.”
“I've guessed. You and Pancha keep another secret.”
Wira let out a long sigh, she did not hesitate on Ruswara as she trusted Wikrama from a very distant place.
“I... is a spy of the full moon troops.”
Ruswara did not reply, but she only nodded short. This alignment is like a blooming rose bud that spreads fragrant. When he felt himself in the midst of the political turmoil of his country, the good news came like a horn of waiting.
“Does Pancha also include spies?”
Wira seemed shocked to hear it, he was looking for the right way to explain to Ruswara, “Truly it is true Sir. The deployment of a full moon army across the country is nothing but to gather allies in a greater cause.”
Ruswara instantly amazed, “To overthrow Tarlingga?”
“Kingdom Nusantara,” Wira's face turned bright, then went back on, “During this time the full moon troops helped our finances through the pieces of money smuggled from the messenger pigeons, the, although not much but enough to cover our high tribute.”
A sour grin emanated from Ruwara's face, she could feel the discomfort of Wira's growl, “So what messages have you always conveyed to the leader of the full moon, who was it? Wikrama?”
“Secret mission to make Tarlingga betray King Mahardhika.”
Ruswara sighs, “Even the king of all kings has a terrible shadow enemy.”
The father would not have the guts for it, his love and care had been washed away by his arak-arak. If indeed that army can be a better ally of the archipelago, why don't we take that chance?
Hero tilts his head, shaking his hands begin to appear, “Did Mr Ruswara really side with us?”
Ruswara smiled, “I am not interested in the magnificent throne of the archipelago, nor with the sturdy palace walls,” Ruswara stands from its seat. “what I want at this time, I want to, freeing my rakyak suffering in the midst of this drought and freeing them from a power full of lies. If indeed the full moon army can be a reliable ally, I will stand with you to achieve the justice it deserves on this continent.”
Wira then knelt down, he felt very moved, “Really you are the one who deserves to lead this country o mahamantri Ruswara.”
Finally, Ruswara felt it was time to say goodbye, “I said goodbye first. Rest your Lady, I'll meet Pancha and tell her this.”
After saying goodbye Ruswara rushed his horse back towards the palace, his horse's footsteps left a puff of dust along the road that passed. In the clear blue sky without the longed cloud, there was a rain that would fall soon on the barren lands. Not rain, but rain of justice.
***