The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
The Heart of Adipati Anjuk Farm

****

Anjuk Padang is a buffer region of Kotaraja Daha located in the northwest. This area is bounded by the Kapulungan River which became a trading vein in the Panjalu region. This region is one of the many areas of the Kingdom of Panjalu buried among others.

As an abundant producing area, this area became prosperous. Various crops such as corn, grains, tubers and various leather handicrafts are the superior results of this area. In short, if you want to trade in produce, Anjuk Farm is the most suitable place because of the abundance of their produce.

Although this area is often hit by natural disasters that become subscriptions are hurricanes, but the residents seem to have been accustomed to face it. They built a food barn that usually exists next to each other's homes. That way, even though natural disasters come crashing down, they are ready. Even when the lean season arrives, it is very rarely heard that Anjuk Farm suffered from famine. This is a testament to the prosperity of this region.

The current Duke of Anjuk Farm is Sasrabahu. He was the son-in-law of Duke Gunawarman, the old Duke of Anjuk Ladang after marrying Dewi Wulansari, the second daughter of Duke Gunawarman. Thanks to the cunning arrangement of Mpu Sena the uncle who became Mahamantri I Halu at that time, Sasrabahu can be sat on the throne of the Duchy of Anjuk Padang. At that time, Sasrabahu was elected Duke of Anjuk Farmang after Palasara's first son-in-law could not avoid being accused of raping one of the palace ladies to cause Duke Gunawarman wrath and sentenced to death for the son-in-law.

This was all the work of Mpu Sena who threatened the palace lady by dragging her family to prison so that she would be willing to do vile slander to Palasara. After Palasara was hanged and Dewi Wulandari, Duke of Gunawarman's daughter, went mad after the death of her husband, and as the eldest son-in-law, Sasrabahu ascended the throne.

Despite ascending the throne of the Duchy of Anjuk Padang in a devious manner, Sasrabahu himself was a good man. He regularly sowan to the Katang-katang Palace during the annual grand pisowan event in a timely manner. Tributes and earth taxes from Anjuk Farm always come a day earlier than from other nearby areas. This proved that he was a disciplined official and was in charge of his realm.

At that time, in the duke's private room, Mpu Sena was sitting cross-legged while staring at the Duke of Sasrabahu who seemed silent without speaking. Just now, just now, Mpu Sena asked the Duke of Sasrabahu for help to prepare at least 30 thousand soldiers who will be used to pressure Katang-katang Palace to immediately appoint Mapanji Jayawarsa as Yuwaraja or Crown Prince of Panjalu next.

Mmmmmm..

"What does this mean, Anjuk Farm will rebel against Daha, Uncle Mpu Sena?", said the Duke of Sasrabahu after sighing heavily.

"Not rebelling against Daha, Nakmas the Duke..

But we use this method so that Gusti Prabu Jayengrana immediately make Nakmas Prince Mapanji Jayawarsa who is the rightful heir and direct descendant of the late Gusti Prabu Samarawijaya as the next Yuwaraja Panjalu.

For too long Gusti Prabu Jayengrana was worried to determine who would be his successor because his other sons were also competing to find face to deserve to be used as Yuwaraja.

Of the competitors Gusti Prince Mapanji Jayawarsa, only Prince Panji Tejo Laksono who looks so determined to ascend the throne. Although he is talented in government affairs and canoegan science, but he is not a direct descendant of Prabu Airlangga. Although he was the eldest son of Prabu Jayengrana who was the nephew of Gusti Prabu Airlangga, but his mother was only the daughter of Seloageng. If until the Panji Tejo Laksono ascended the throne, I fear Panjalu will not be able to last long because there will certainly be many rebellions that do not want to be ordered by people who are not direct descendants of the late Gusti Prabu Samarawijaya", he said", said Mpu Sena who tried to deflect the direction of the view of Duke Sasrabahu with his shortsighted thinking.

"But so far as I know, Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono is more capable in terms of government and defense, Uncle Mpu Sena..

Several wars were fought against the Jenggala warriors, which he managed to win. Also with the soldiers of Blambangan. In fact, he also did not refuse when he was assigned as an ambassador to China. After returning from there, even Emperor Huizong gave his daughter as a sign of familial ties with Panjalu to Gusti Prince Panji Tejo Laksono.

So what is wrong if Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono who became the successor to the throne of the Kingdom of Panjalu?", Duke Sasrabahu stared in wonder at Mpu Sena. He did not end up thinking with the mind of his mother's brother.

"You're so naive, Duke Nakmas..

It was all just a mere image from Prince Panji Tejo Laksono for him to be looked up to by everyone. If you were in the capital of the country, you would know what the original character of Queen Anggarawati's son was.

Never mind, I don't want to argue at length about Prince Panji Tejo Laksono. What is important now, how do you answer my request?", repeated Mpu Sena while continuing to look at the face of Duke Sasrabahu.

"It's not that I don't want to help Uncle Mpu Sena, but this can be considered an act of treason against Panjalu.

I just do not want to lose my head just to defend Gusti Prince Mapanji Jayawarsa who never gave his services to this country" said Duke Sasrabahu immediately.

"Enough, Nakmas Duke!!

Here I will remind you how you can sit on the throne of the Duchy of Anjuk Padang and who is the person who contributed greatly in that? Remember Nakmas Adipati, do not be a person who does not know themselves and continue to oppose what I want", said Mpu Sena who immediately made Duke Sasrabahu silent for a moment.

"Like not, inevitably, you have to prepare 30 thousand soldiers who will train at the foot of Mount Wilis in the east.

This is an order and if you dare to oppose it, be prepared to lose your post as Duke of Anjuk Farm. I can seat you on the throne of the Duchy of Anjuk Padang, but if I want, I can easily pry you from the throne of the Duchy of Anjuk Padang as easily as I flip a palm. Remember it is the Duke Nakmas", said Mpu Sena while pointing at the Duke of Sasrabahu. Having said so, Mpu Sena immediately stood up and walked out from within the duke's private room without respecting the Duke of Sasrabahu.

There was a long sigh again from the mouth of Duke Sasrabahu after Mpu Sena was seen disappearing from behind the palace gate.

'What should I do to deal with a situation like this?'

*****

"Please forgive Gusti Prince..

The entourage from Seloageng arrived in front of the gate of Lodaya Palace", report a guard soldier of the palace gate while worshiping Prince Arya Liang who was enjoying lunch together with Dewi Rara Kinanti and Dewi Anggraeni the empress of Land Perdikan Lodaya.

Hearing the report, a wide smile was engraved on the beautiful face of Rara Kinanti. He immediately put the piece of roasted chicken in his hand and immediately wiped his mouth.

"Is Prince Panji Kangmas Tejo Laksono also with them, Warrior?", asked Dewi Rara Kinanti immediately.

"They were led directly by Gusti Pangeran Adipati Panji Tejo Laksono, Gusti Putri", the soldier honored after speaking.

Hearing that answer, Rara Kinanti's beautiful face immediately twinkled. Seeing the change in the face of the princess, Dewi Anggraeni immediately elbowed her husband's waist.

"Look at how happy our daughter is to hear the arrival of Nakmas Prince Panji Tejo Laksono, Kangmas..

He really likes Kakang Watugunung's son apparently", said Dewi Anggraeni while mengolum smile. Hearing that, Prince Arya Liang smiled meaningfully and immediately said to the princess just like her.

"Lint, you may participate in welcoming Nakmas Prince Panji Tejo Laksono but remember to keep your attitude because you are the daughter of Land Perdikan Lodaya".

Goddess Rara Kinanti immediately nodded in understanding hearing the father's orders. They immediately rushed towards the gate of Lodaya Palace to welcome the arrival of Panji Tejo Laksono and the entourage from Seloageng. As soon as they reached the courtyard of Pendopo Agung, they met.

"Worship my Uncle Prince Arya Tangib, Aunt Queen Anggraeni" Panji Tejo Laksono said as he bowed respectfully to the two of them.

"Ah don't get too much custom, Prince Nakmas..

However, we will soon become a family, so from now on you should call me Romo only", Prince Arya Liabis said with a smile.

"Kangmas Prince Arya Tangib is right, Nakmas Prince Panji Tejo Laksono..

From today you should call me Biyung. You must not refuse it", added Dewi Anggraeni immediately.

"If that is the case, I can only obey the orders of Uncle Pa eh Father Prince means hehehehehe.", Panji Tejo Laksono chuckled small for almost mispronouncing.

Meanwhile, Rara Kinanti did not speak at all. Only his lips unceasingly smiled widely as he occasionally glanced towards Panji Tejo Laksono. This action was held by Endang Patibrata who also entered the Lodaya Palace. This beautiful woman from Wanua Pulung is starting to be jealous of the beautiful girl.

After a short conversation, Prince Arya Tangib invited all the retinue of Panji escorts Tejo Laksono to enter the Grand Pendopo of Lodaya Palace. After they all sat down together, Prince Arya Tanggib began to express plans for their wedding ceremony which would be held in 2 days. Therefore, Prince Arya Tangib requested that Panji Tejo Laksono prepare himself.

After their talks were completed, Panji Tejo Laksono and his followers among Patih Umbara to rest in the place that has been provided, namely Keputran Lodaya which is located next to the Palace. Dewi Rara Kinanti also accompanied them.

Once at Keputran Lodaya, Dewi Rara Kinanti immediately approached Panji Tejo Laksono while pointing towards Endang Patibrata who always followed the steps of the young prince.

"Prince Panji Kangmas Tejo Laksono, from earlier he continued to look at me with unpleasant eyes.

Who is Kangmas?"