The Ancestral Country
The Blood Red Hooded Woman

The Watugunung and Warigalit pennants continued to drive their horses towards the Katang-katang Palace.

Upon entering the territory of the city, everyone who passed by them immediately pulled over and bowed respectfully. Although the Watugunung Panji had often asked them not to do it, but they still did it like that. This was because during the Kadiri city area, they always felt safe. There has never been a crime that has troubled society. Even if there is, Kayuwarajan soldiers always act quickly to overcome the problem.

The courtiers also did their job well.

Demung Gumbreg who takes care of the palace food barn, and the entry of taxes and tributes from the 3 Kayuwarajan Kadiri regions is very thorough despite the help of Weleng and Gubarja who faithfully accompany the task of the Demung.

Tumenggung Ludaka who is in charge of maintaining security and order in the Kayuwarajan Kadiri area is also not less alert in security. Every little problem, like theft and theft, is always handled with discretion.

Patih Saketi as Warangka Kayuwarajan Kadiri also runs the wheels of government with full responsibility. He felt so lucky to be close to Prince Panji Jayengrana. He used to be only a soldier in the palace of the Duchy of Seloageng, now he is Patih in the area of Kayuwarajan Kadiri which is an important area in the administration of the government of Panjalu. Accompanying a Yuwaraja or crown prince was never in his dreams at all, but now he was near the Watugunung Panji. Therefore, he never neglected to carry out his duties.

Mpu Gondho Lukito and Rakeh Kepung were the same. They feel lucky to be able to be an advisor to Sang Yuwaraja Panjalu. That means their voices will be heard by the crown prince of the kingdom of Panjalu.

As soon as the Watugunung and Warigalit banners entered the palace gate, the 4 soldiers guarding the palace gate immediately bowed respectfully to their offerings and opened the way to the two Kadiri Kayuwarajan palace magnates.

Once down from the horse, Panji Watugunung and Warigalit immediately walked towards the private castle Sekar Mayang which is on the west side of the main building. The horsemen immediately took their horses to the stables to bathe their lord horses.

Sekar Mayang who was busy embroidering the cloth, immediately turned to look towards the Watugunung and Warigalit Panji when their footsteps sounded.

The round face of Sekar Mayang egg immediately decorated with a sweet smile.

"The Back of Watugunung, the,

You came here" said Sekar Mayang with a face of sumringah.

"Yes Dinda Mayang,

There's something I want to ask you. Let's sit down first", invite Panji Watugunung who immediately rushed to sit cross-legged on the porch floor of the private Puri Sekar Mayang. Warigalit immediately followed the leader's steps.

"What's up Kakang? As if there is something important" he hurried Sekar Mayang follow Panji Watugunung sit and look at her husband's face with curiosity.

Patugunung banner smiled faintly.

"Mayang Linda,

Do you know Nini Sumbi?", asked Panji Watugunung immediately.

The look on Sekar Mayang's face was instantly shocked.

"Where does Kakang Watugunung know Nini Sumbi?", asked Sekar Mayang stammeringly.

"So there was an old woman in ragged clothes fainting on the street. There was a young man who helped her. We who happened to pass by, looked at the old woman. He claimed to be named Nini Sumbi, the servant of Mpu Guritno from Wanua Padelegan", said Warigalit immediately.

The look on Sekar Mayang's face immediately turned grim.

"He was my father's servant Kakang. Ever since my mother died giving birth to me, only she has cared for me.

My father blamed me for my mother's death until he never loved me. She always kept her distance from me because I was considered the unlucky bearer for her.

After I was 10 years old, my father sent me to Padas Putih to study. Of course Kakang remember not the first time we met at Padepokan Padas Putih at that time?

But that's just an excuse so that I don't disturb his romance life with Nyi Pundi which is a traveling flower tledek in the Kunjang region. The woman was married by my father when I was just escorted to the padepokan.

I have hated my father ever since. Therefore I do not want to until Kakang Watugunung know my parents. I want to tell you because Nini Sumbi who came looking for me, otherwise I will always keep my mouth shut" Sekar Mayang story that began to glaze over his eyes. The bitterness and wounds of life in the past seemed to be doused with salt water.

Panji Watugunung immediately embraced the second concubine affectionately. He finally understood what made Sekar Mayang's temperament grumpy and self-absorbed. It was all to cover up the fragility of his heart that was slumped in his past life.

"You can't do that, Dinda Mayang.

He's still your father. We can't hate our parents just for what they did. Do not be petty just because it is blinded by feelings of hate" said Panji Watugunung with a thin smile.

"Yes Kakang I understand, but father.", had not had Sekar Mayang continue his sentence, Panji Watugunung immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue-eyed ring.

The eyes of Sekar Mayang immediately widened to see the blue-eyed ring in the hand of the Watugunung Panji.

"I-this is dad's ring. How can it be in your hands Kakang?", nervous already Sekar Mayang.

"Nini Sumbi gave this to me. He said Wanua Padelegan was in trouble. The whole population is affected by a strange disease outbreak. According to Nini Sumbi, this is because your stepmother is allied with the devil", replied Watugunung while looking towards Sekar Mayang.

"WHATAAAAA?!!!

This should not be allowed Kakang. I beg my father Kakang", clear tears immediately spilled from the eyes of Sekar Mayang.

"Faced with the science of pain and use, only one person is fit to overcome it.

You take it easy, Dinda Mayang, I will not remain silent.

Kakang Warigalit's,

I ask for help, pick up Mpu Soma from Ranja. In 3 days we meet at Pakuwon Kunjang. I await your arrival there", Panji Watugunung orders immediately.

"Sendiko dawuh Dhimas Prince", Warigalit replied in his honor. Ratri's husband immediately rushed back from Sekar Mayang's private castle and returned to his residence outside the Katang-katang palace.

After saying farewell to Ratri, accompanied by 4 selected Warigalit soldiers immediately drove his horse to Ranja Hermit in southeast Seloageng.

After a day and night of traveling, passing through Pakuwon Randu, Palah, Ganter and Bedander, Warigalit and his escorts arrived at Ranja hermitage.

Resi Mpu Soma welcomed Warigalit's arrival with joy.

After conversing for a moment, and hearing Warigalit's story, Mpu Soma frowned.

"Hmmmmm..

I had heard once, in the east of Kunjang there was a female shaman who was said to be a disciple of Nyai Calon Arang, a Queen of black magic from the region now the Duchy of Karang Anom who had defeated Prabu Airlangga.

According to the news I heard, the shaman was able to ravage a village in just one night.

If not wrong, his name is Nyi Polok. He is very powerful and dangerous. If it is true that Gusti Concubine's stepmother is allied with him, then the pagebluk will hit the Padelegan region" said Mpu Soma while wiping his beard.

"Wantas how will we move on to Resi?", asked Warigalit later.

"I'll take my sister. He is smarter at wiping out black magic than I am who can only predict and install protectors.

Today we also go to Kunjang", replied Mpu Soma with a faint smile.

That same day, Warigalit escorted Mpu Soma and his younger brother named Mpu Sukrasana riding towards Pakuwon Kunjang.

Due to the sheer strength of Mpu Soma, their horses stayed in shape during the long journey. Even the soldiers who escorted did not feel tired at all so that within a day and night they had reached Kunjang.

Meanwhile, Panji Watugunung who was about to leave alone with Sekar Mayang to Kunjang, was forced to allow Naganingrum and Dewi Srimpi to join because Naganingrum hunger strike if not invited, he said, while Dewi Srimpi departed on the proposal of Dewi Anggarawati who was worried about the outbreak that spread.

The four of them arrived at Pakuwon Kunjang at noon the same time when Warigalit, Mpu Soma, Mpu Sukrasana and his accompanying soldiers arrived at Pakuwon Kunjang Palace.

"Ah what a coincidence that we came together, Dhimas Pangeran Panji", said Warigalit who immediately jumped down from his horse.

"It has been arranged by Hyang Agung, Kakang Warigalit.

Teacher Resi, teacher,

We meet again", said Panji Watugunung with a smile.

"Nakmas Prince, please,

We really are fools. Coming to Kunjak at the same time", Mpu Soma smiled faintly.

The old man immediately bowed respectfully to the Watugunung Panji.

"Let's just talk inside Gusti Prince" said Rakeh Bango, the Akuwu Kunjang who welcomed their arrival.

Patugunung Panji immediately followed the steps of the Akuwu to the rest hall of Pakuwon Kunjang followed by his three wives, two Rishis Ramatan Ranja and Warigalit and his four escorts.

After they sat cross-legged on the porch floor of Pakuwon guest ward, Patugunung Panji immediately opened the conversation.

"Ki Kuwu, please,

I'd like to ask. Is Wanua Padelegan still a Pakuwon Kunjang area?", asked Panji Watugunung immediately.

"True Gusti Pangeran, Padelegan is still the territory of Pakuwon Kunjang.

Indeed what is Gusti Prince?", Rakeh Bango saluted on the Watugunung Panji.

Hmmmm

"I heard that the area was stricken with a plague of strange diseases. Don't you know about this matter?", Panji Watugunung stared at Rakeh Bango immediately.

"Please forgive a thousand mercies Gusti Prince,

At the pisowanan of the Rama the other day, there was no report on the matter to the servant, Gusti Prince. Mpu Guritno also did not say anything about this matter", Rakeh Bango lowered his head not daring to look towards the Watugunung Panji.

"That means this problem just happened.

I'm asking you to prepare food and medicine to send to Padelegan. Padelegan is still your territory, so all responsibility lies with you. Tomorrow morning I and these Rishis will be there to see the state of society that is there", said Patugunung Panji immediately.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Prince", said Rakeh Bango while worshiping to the Watugunung Panji.

That night, they rested at the Pakuwon Kunjang retreat hall. Sekar Mayang who got a ration turn accompanied the husband's sleep, smiled sweetly while holding the hand of Panji Watugunung to his resting room.

"The Back of Watugunung, the,

Thank you very much because the brother wants to listen to me and obey my wishes" said Sekar Mayang who leaned his head on the shoulder of the husband.

"It's my duty, Dinda Mayang,

You are my wife, your sorrow is also my sorrow. The important thing is that Dinda prays to Hyang Agung for your father to be well", replied Panji Watugunung immediately. Sekar Mayang looked at Panji Watugunung's face with a feeling of love.

Slowly he started pushing Watugunung's body into the bed. And that night he served Panji Watugunung with all his heart and soul.

Early morning at Pakuwon Kunjang. The boisterous rooster sounds woke up all the inhabitants of Pakuwon Kunjang palace. The eastern sky began to redden the sign of the sun soon to appear. The cheerful singing of the birds that perched on the branches of the tree further stretched the atmosphere that morning.

Patugunung Panji soon awakens when a friendly kiss lands on his right cheek.

The Prince of Daha rubbed his eyes for a while, then clearly saw that Sekar Mayang had already dressed up beautifully beside his contest.

"Tumben you woke up early, Dinda,

What wind makes you so excited?", Panji Watugunung smiled and immediately got up from his bed.

"The back of this Watugunung, I woke up once in the morning already satirized. Tomorrow I wake up again" said Sekar Mayang, pursing his lips.

Hehehehe

"So, just get angry. Kakang just joked Dinda", Panji Watugunung immediately got off his bed and headed to the bath. Sekar Mayang continued to stare towards Panji Watugunung until it disappeared behind the door of the bathroom hallway.

After bathing and getting ready, Panji Watugunung and his three wives immediately met Warigalit and two Rishi Rampaan Ranja and the four guard soldiers. They then left Pakuwon Kunjang after saying goodbye to Akuwu Rakeh Bango. Eagerly, they drove their horses towards Wanua Padelegan.

**

A beautiful 30-year-old woman was sitting in front of a woman wearing a blood-like red hood. In front of the woman, various flower offerings and a cauldron of fresh blood like freshly dripped.

The beautiful woman is Nyi Pundi, the second wife of Lurah Wanua Padelegan who is also the stepmother of Sekar Mayang.

"How's Nyi Polok?

Have you found the rotten servant?", asked Nyi Pundi to the blood-red woman.

Hmmmm

"He has arrived in the town of Kadiri, Nyi Lurah. It seems like her goal to meet Prince Jayengrana has already succeeded", replied the blood red-clad woman immediately.

"Comebody!

If the Daha prince intervenes, my plan of revenge on the inhabitants of Wanua Padelegan can be destroyed, Nyi", a look of dismay radiated from the face of Nyi Pundi.

Hihihii..

Nyi Polok's laughter sounded terrifying. The woman immediately sprinkled a pinch of flowers on the blood in the cauldron, then sprinkled incense on charcoal coals in a clay brazier.

The smell of incense filled the place.

"You take it easy, Nyi Lurah, my mouth is not easy to overcome. After all I have prepared everything to face them" said the blood red-clad woman with a small laugh.

The woman's mouth was muttering a mantra. Suddenly arrived fresh blood in the roiling cauldron and formed 4 blood balls that floated away from Nyi Polok.

Slowly from the ball of blood appeared thick blackish smoke accompanied by strong winds. Then 4 terrifying creatures appeared.

"What are you calling us, Nyi Polok?", the sinister voice of a large black creature with two large horns sounded.

"There are some people who want to enter Padelegan. Block them!", orders Nyi Polok immediately.

The four monstrous creatures immediately disappeared from sight.

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