The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
Dreamtime

"I've just finished restoring my inner strength, Gayatri..

What was the night like this looking for me?", Panji Tejo Laksono moved from his bed and stepped towards Gayatri who was still standing in front of his bedroom door.

"There's something I want to talk to you about, but not here" Gayatri replied with a faint smile.

"Talk here Gayatri..

Why should I come out if anyone wants to talk" Panji Tejo Laksono said immediately.

Gayatri did not answer but her eyes glanced at Endang Patibrata who was still sitting on a wooden chair in the bedroom of Panji Tejo Laksono. The young prince immediately understood what Gayatri's eyes meant.

Panji Tejo Laksono turned his head towards Endang Patibrata, but he had not had time to talk the beautiful girl immediately got up from the wooden chair of his seat.

"Yes yes, I understand Kakang Taji..

No need to throw me away, I know myself kog", Endang Patibrata stepped out of the bedroom Panji Tejo Laksono and rushed his feet towards his own bedroom.

After Endang Patibrata disappeared behind the bedroom door, Gayatri immediately entered the bedroom Panji Tejo Laksono and sat on the wooden chair where Endang Patibrata had been.

"Now what do you want Gayatri to say? Hurry say..

It's late at night, it's not good for a woman to be with a man in a room like this", Panji Tejo Laksono sits himself in his bed.

"You already know all the secrets about me.. So what do you think now?", Gayatri looked at the handsome face of Panji Tejo Laksono with a desire to know about the contents of his traveling companions' hearts.

"I don't mind it..

When I helped you in Pakuwon Palah, I saw that the people who surrounded you had a soldier badge hidden under his shirt.

At that time I knew that you were no ordinary person. It's just that I don't feel the need to know your true identity because I'm sure you have your own reasons for not saying it", Panji Tejo Laksono casually replied.

Mmmmmm..

"So you knew from the beginning apparently. And you didn't say anything either when I made up stories about my life.

Are you deliberately playing me Taji?", asked Gayatri later.

"That's not the case, Gayatri..

As Uncle Singo Manggolo said, there are secrets that need to be revealed and there are also secrets that need to be hidden. Everyone deserves to have their own personal space, Gayatri. And I prefer not to interfere in your personal affairs as long as it does not harm me", Panji Tejo Laksono smiled meaningfully.

"When you know my identity as the daughter of the Duchy of Seloageng, how do you feel about me?

Do I still look ordinary in your sight Taji?", back the question was thrown from Gayatri's mouth.

"Honestly, I don't know Gayatri..

For the time being I am confused by my circumstances, also still have to survive in my topo ngrame. For matters of the heart, let time alone answer it", replied Panji Tejo Laksono with a heavy sigh. He knew that Gayatri's acceptance would change upon learning that he was Panji Tejo Laksono, the eldest son of Panji Watugunung aka Prabu Jayengrana Maharaja Panjalu in Kadiri. While his topo ngrame period is still less than 7 days before he can use his name as the king's son.

Hearing those words, a disappointed look emanated from Gayatri's face. But for now he does not dare to be frank about his feelings towards Panji Tejo Laksono.

"I understand Taji..

What are your plans in the future? You can't stay in this place next right?", Gayatri looked back at the handsome face of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Tonight I plan to say goodbye to Eyang Guru Warok Suropati to continue my adventure. I want to go to Kurawan or Anjuk Farm.

Wait for me outside the house" Panji Tejo Laksono replied quickly.

"I agree with your opinion..

Duchess Kurawan is my father's sister. He would be happy if I visited him.

Then I will be ready for Taji" Gayatri said as she walked out of Panji Tejo Laksono's bedroom.

After Gayatri left her bed, Panji Tejo Laksono immediately closed the door of the room and immediately wrote a newsletter for Endang Patibrata. As soon as he finished, he sat down cross-legged on his bed. He wanted to see Warok Suropati so he used Ajian Ngrogoh Sukmo to meet him in plain sight.

Zzzzzzrrrrrrrrttttthhhhhh!!!

After Panji Tejo Laksono's tribe separated from his body, the young prince's tribe immediately stepped towards the bedroom Warok Suropati who was meditating while carrying a roll of palm leaves.

In front of him, Panji tribe Tejo Laksono immediately worshipped at Warok Suropati before sitting cross-legged. Warok Suropati slowly opened his eyes before gazing towards the tribe of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"What's the matter tonight you meet me, Prince Nakmas?", Warok asked Suropati immediately.

"Please forgive me for interrupting your meditation on Teacher Eyang..

I would like to ask permission from Eyang Guru to continue my topo ngrame journey. Actually I want to say good farewell with all of them but I know that Endang Patibrata will not be silent to watch me go. Therefore, tonight I also want to go to Kurawan Eyang Guru. Please pray his blessing", replied Panji Tejo Laksono politely.

Mmmmmm...

"I understand your predicament, Prince Nakmas.

Depart, be careful while on the journey. When you arrive at Kotaraja Kadiri palace, send my greetings to your mother Cempluk Rara Sunti and your sister Dewi Kencanawangi", said Warok Suropati while stroking his beard.

"Thank You Master for all the advice and knowledge that is handed down.

Oh yes, Master, leave this letter to Endang Patibrata. I hope he can understand. Please also offer my apologies to Singo Manggolo's uncle and Aunt Nyi Gandini.

Disciples please say goodbye to Eyang Guru", Panji Tejo Laksono worshiped Warok Suropati after giving a letter to Endang Patibrata. The young prince of Kadiri retreated from the presence of Warok Suropati to return to his room.

Usai sukma bersatu dengan jasad kembali, Panji Tejo Laksono segera membawa barang bawaan nya. Lalu mengalungkan pedang nya ke punggung sebelum melompat keluar dari jendela kamar tidur nya.

His movements were so light as cotton that no sound could be heard. On the highway, Gayatri was already waiting for Panji Tejo Laksono on his horse. Panji Tejo Laksono jumped on his horse. Shortly before leaving, Panji Tejo Laksono looked towards the bedroom Endang Patibrata and then kicked his horse towards the northwest.

In the light of the moon that was approaching the full moon, they continued to move towards the Kurawan Duchy. Entering the Pakuwon Sukowati region located on the border between the Duchy of Wengker and Kurawan, there was a heavy rain pouring down.

Panji Tejo Laksono and Gayatri immediately rushed down from his horse to take shelter in the courtyard of the residents' house in the suburban area of Pakuwon Sukowati.

The torrential rain was accompanied by strong winds and the thundering sound of thunder.

When Panji Tejo Laksono and Gayatri were still standing on the porch of the house, the door opened slowly.

Kriieeeeeett...

The banner of Tejo Laksono immediately approached the old man.

"Sorry Grandpa..

We have permission to shelter here. Please grandfather kindly give us a shelter ride" Panji Tejo Laksono said politely.

The old grandfather squinted his eyes while looking at Panji Tejo Laksono as if examining the person standing before him. After feeling certain that the person was not a bad person, the old man smiled faintly. The illumination light from the castor oil lamp was seen swaying in the wind.

"It's okay young man..

It's so cold outside, you better get inside the house" the old man bargained kindly.

"What is not a Cake? Our clothes were a little wet with rain water earlier", Panji Tejo Laksono flicked his hands that were wet with rain water.

"That's one of my reasons for having you come in young..

Hurry in, I can't linger outside the house under these circumstances. This old body often gets in the wind if exposed to the night air", said the old grandfather as he stepped into the house. Panji Tejo Laksono and Gayatri also chose to follow the steps of the grandfather.

Jleeeggeeerr!!

Heavy rain continued to pour as if spilling from the sky. The occasional lightning strike makes the atmosphere of the night feel even more frightening.

After they entered, the old man immediately went back and brought back a few pieces of boiled banana and a jug of drinking water.

"I'm sorry this is all I have, my wife is asleep. It is a pity to wake him up" said the old man as he placed a tray on the table.

"Ah we just want to take shelter Ki, no need to bother..

If from here to Wuwatan City, how long does it take Ki?", asked Panji Tejo Laksono politely.

"You guys travel from far away?

What are your names and what do you want to go to the capital of the Kurawan Duchy?", the skinny old man asked.

"I'm Taji Lelono and this is Gayatri Ki, don't be fooled by his male-like appearance..

We from Kadiri, want to see the hustle and bustle of the city city in the Panjalu Kingdom region", replied Panji Tejo Laksono with a faint smile. Gayatri just kept quiet without saying.

"Oh well deserved if you don't know the way..

I'm Ki Wiryo, I heard my son became a soldier in Kotaraja Kadiri. Name Siwikarna. If you meet her, tell her that we're fine here.

Oh yes if you want to go to the city of Kurawan Duchy, you stay straight following this highway. Not until half a day of your journey has arrived there" said Ki Wiryo.

"Thank you for your hint Ki", Panji Tejo Laksono smiled faintly.

That night heavy rain continued to pour into the city of Pakuwon Sukowati.

At Pakuwon Sukowati palace, a beautiful lady dressed in noble clothes who was about three and a half decades old, was seen standing looking at the torrential rain that kept spilling from the sky. Although she is old enough, but the beauty of the woman is still clearly visible.

The woman seemed to be thinking about something that was stirring her mind.

"Daughter Gusti,

What is Gusti Putri doing like this? Does anything interfere with your thinking?", asked a woman dressed in all white who thought she was the same age.

Mmmmmm...

There was a sound of long breaths before the beautiful woman opened her voice.

"After such a long time, last night I had that dream again, White Puspa.

I've tried to erase all my memories of my feelings for that person, but why did the shadow appear again since yesterday" said the beautiful woman as she held her right hand against the rain. The splashes of rainwater drenched his smooth white arms.

"I mean Princess Gusti, your majesty dreamed of that person again?

Oh Gusti Putri, I beg Gusti Putri not to get carried away with the forbidden romance story again. Gusti Putri must remember that his wife's wife once made Gusti Putri seriously injured. Enough of the forbidden romance in the past" said the woman dressed in all white called Puspa Putih immediately.

"I don't want to remember it either, White Puspa.

But two nights this dream came back. That's why I keep thinking about her" said the beautiful, aged woman.

She is Dewi Ambarwati, daughter of Akuwu Sukowati, Rakeh Pamintihan who died a few years ago. After his fight against Cempluk Rara Sunti first to get love Panji Watugunung, the, the beautiful woman returned to Pakuwon Sukowati and accepted her father's request to marry a noble from the Duchy of Lewa named Ranaweleng who was betrothed to her. A few years later, Ranaweleng died. She is survived by Dewi Ambarwati and their two sons, Ranawijaya and Ranawati. Ranawijaya became Akuwu at a very young age until all power in Pakuwon Sukowati controlled by Dewi Ambarwati.

For many years never dreamed of Panji Watugunung again, for the last two nights his calm was disturbed by the presence of a handsome man who resembled Panji Watugunung in his dreams.

"Here is the Princess Gusti,

Dreams are just sleeping flowers. Gusti Putri had better not think too much about it. The night is late, we should rest" said White Puspa the faithful lady.

That night the rain continued to fall rapidly until the morning.

The cold atmosphere was felt in the city of Pakuwon Sukowati located at the foot of Mount Wilis in the west even though the morning was approaching.

Panji Tejo Laksono and Gayatri that morning intended to buy some goods at the Pakuwon market located in front of Pakuwon Sukowati City square as a sign of gratitude for the kindness of Ki Wiryo who gave a shelter ride and spend the night with both of them buying some change of clothes.

They go around the market which is quite crowded visited by buyers and traders who sell their merchandise.

Dewi Ambarwati who happened to be in the morning also to the market because she wanted to see the crowd, was surprised not playful to see a handsome young man and a friend who was carrying groceries.

Lama Dewi Ambarwati stared at Panji Tejo Laksono to not hear the call Puspa Putih and Puspa Abang who escorted him.

"Daughter Gusti,

What do you see?", asked Puspa Abang.

Nervously, Dewi Ambarwati swallowed her saliva because her throat felt dry. Stammering he spoke.

"Pe-yuda i-it Puspa Abang..

He looks like Panji Watugunung"