The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
Departure to the Land of China

"I'll be leaving for China soon. As long as I'm gone, can you keep Ayu Ratna safe my future wife, the Southern Wind Angel?

Maybe my request will burden you but I'm really worried about his safety" Panji Tejo Laksono said as he looked towards the blue sky in the North.

"I didn't reject it, Gusti Prince. But I'm a free man, not at home lingering somewhere.

Your journey to the Land of China must have taken months, this would be tantamount to curbing my freedom to wander to uphold justice on earth", reply Bidadari Wind Selatan while respecting Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Then I won't force you. But I'm asking you to teach Ayu Galuh some silat. At least he can defend himself when something happens that threatens his life.

Are you willing?", Panji Tejo Laksono looked at the Southern Wind Angel expectantly.

"If that's all I don't mind, Gusti Prince..

At least it takes a little time. Gusti Putri Ayu Ratna can certainly quickly learn the science of canuragan", replied the South Wind Angel while bowing her body. Hearing the South Wind Angel's willingness, Panji Tejo Laksono sighed in relief. A little burden of his heart felt reduced to hear the answer of the beautiful white veiled woman.

From that day on, the Southern Wind Angel officially became the teacher for Ayu Ratna. Duke Aghnibrata's daughter was obedient to the orders of Panji Tejo Laksono because she also did not want to be a burden for her husband. Moreover, silat can also be useful to deal with all the dangers that may occur.

At noon, a group of Panjalu soldiers entered the Duchy of Kalingga. No less than 500 soldiers guarding some of the swords contained gifts for the Song Dynasty Empire, riding into the city. They were led by Tumenggung Sindupraja, Tumenggung Rajegwesi, and Rakryan Purusoma.

The residents of Kalingga Duchy City chose to pull over as the Panjalu soldiers crossed the highway leading towards the Kalingga Duchy Palace. Umbulans white, red, sky blue and yellow became a sign that they were the soldiers of Kotaraja Kadiri Palace.

Duke Aghnibrata who was leading a routine pisowanan in the grand pendopo of the Duchy of Kalingga immediately stood up from his throne as soon as the soldiers of the palace gate guards reported the arrival of the Panjalu soldiers.

"Rexonoto, please,

You told Gusti Prince Panji Tejo Laksono about the arrival of the Kotaraja soldiers. While you are Ranggabuana and you are Sumantri Tumenggung, accompany me to welcome them. Hurry up!", duke Aghnibrata said immediately.

The three high officials of the Duchy of Kalingga quickly honored Duke Aghnibrata and carried out their duties according to the instructions of the ruler of the Duchy of Kalingga.

The Kalingga palace gatekeepers who were assigned to pick them up, returned by being a garbage or guide for Tumenggung Sindupraja, Tumenggung Rajegwesi and Rakryan Purusoma.

"Welcome to Kalingga Duchy, Tumenggung Sindupraja.. Sorry if our welcome is less pleasing to your heart" Duke Aghnibrata said immediately.

"Thank you for your welcome, Gusti Adipati.

I came here with the word of the king of Panjalu for you. Accept it!", Tumenggung Sindupati immediately held out a red cloth bag which was the wrapping of the newsletter of Prabu Jayengrana to Duke Aghnibrata. Senopati Ranggabuana immediately published the letter and gave it to Duke Aghnibrata.

Soon Duke Aghnibrata opened the wrapper and read it.

"Om swastyastu,

All puja to the gods guarding the universe,

Duke of Aghnibrata, the Lord of the Duchy of Kalinga,

I Maharaja Panjalu Prabu Jitendrakara Parakrama Bhakta ordered,

In order to suppose you were providing a mighty big boat again,

As a tool for my son Prince Panji Tejo Laksono to be an ambassador,

To the Land of China in the North Earth,

This is for the recognition of the foreign state,

About the authority and establishment of the Kingdom of Panjalu in Nusantara, Indonesia,

About our daughter's marriage, anyway,

It was carried out after the Panji Tejo Laksono returned from Mainland China,

About swastyastu..."

Word by word written on the palm leaves made Duke Aghnibrata smile widely. This letter is a confession from Prabu Jayengrana regarding the relationship between Ayu Ratna and Panji Tejo Laksono. Although it must be delayed because of this task, but the marriage between Ayu Ratna and Panji Tejo Laksono can be ascertained.

"I received an order from Gusti Prabu Jayengrana. Everything that is written in this newsletter I will do", said Duke Aghnibrata soon.

"It is your duty to always obey the orders of Gusti Prabu Jitendrakara Parakrama Bhakta, Duke of Aghnibrata.

These were all Gusti Prince Panji's luggage Tejo Laksono to the Land of China. Please take care to keep everything on board" said Tumenggung Sindupraja while pointing to dozens of teak crates carried by Panjalu soldiers.

"You take it easy, Tumenggung Sindupraja. I will prepare everything as best I can.

Ranggabuana, manna,

Take the high ranking officers of the Panjalu soldiers to the guest hall of honor. Sumantri, for the Panjalu soldiers escorting Tumenggung Sindupraja arrange their resting place in the Kalingga knight. Execute my orders!", Duke Aghnibrata said immediately.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Adipati", Senopati Ranggabuana and Tumenggung Sumantri immediately worshiped Duke Aghnibrata before carrying out their duties.

From that day on, Duke Aghnibrata ordered his servants to inspect a large sailing ship to be used by the Panji Tejo Laksono to leave for China. Acarya Ring Kasaiwan Kalingga Duchy, Mpu Sukra calculate the good day to depart which falls on the day of Radite Sweet Hariyang, Mpu Sukra, Wuku Manahil with candra Sengkala Nala Guna Luhuring Budi or 3301 or read in 1033 Saka (1100 AD), will be the date of departure of Panji Tejo Laksono to leave for China. This is equal to 3 more days before Panji Tejo leaves.

All preparations are arranged quickly and precisely. Starting from foodstuffs to the guard soldiers to the reliable sailors who will be the crew of the large sailing ship. Patih Reksonoto himself oversees everything as well as possible so as not to become a problem later on.

Panji Tejo Laksono also carries out all orders from Prabu Jayengrana, including bringing Tumenggung Ludaka and Demung Gumbreg as his travel companions. In addition, Rakryan Purusoma and Tumenggung Rajegwesi participated in Panji Tejo Laksono's duties as Panjalu's ambassador to China.

On the porch of the guest hall of honor, on the night before departure, the three beautiful girls of Panji Tejo Laksono gathered together. In that place, the young prince expressed his intention to only invite Luh Jingga who was in charge of preparing all the needs of the young prince.

Ayu Ratna had to learn kanuragan science from the Southern Wind Angel, while Gayatri would return to Kadiri with Tumenggung Sindupraja.

Gayatri's eyes immediately glazed over to the words of Panji Tejo Laksono. He was eager to follow the Panji Tejo Laksono to the Land of China because he did not want to part with the young prince.

"Prince Gusti, why would you leave Gayatri here? Is Gusti Prince not dear to Gayatri?"

Gayatri's tears kept dripping from the corners of her beautiful eyes. The beautiful girl princess Tumenggung Sindupraja was really sad. There is a feeling of unwillingness with the departure of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"I don't love you, Gayatri. I did it because I love you too much" Panji Tejo Laksono said with a faint smile. Prabu Jayengrana's eldest son immediately stroked Gayatri's jet-black hair. Gayatri stopped her crying and looked up at Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Gayatri did not understand Gusti Prince's intentions" Gayatri said as she wiped the remaining tears that drenched her white cheeks.

"Begini Gayatri, the trip to the Land of China was not an easy journey. There are many dangers and obstacles that must be faced at all times.

You know, I can only protect myself and the one person I'm with if there's any danger.

As long as I'm gone, you'll have to learn even higher magic because to be my wife, you must be able to protect yourself without having to rely on me.

Do you understand what my wish means, Gayatri?", Panji Tejo Laksono smiled wryly.

Hearing the words of Panji Tejo Laksono, Gayatri immediately hit the body of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"I promise Gusti Prince, I will learn high-level canuragan science to deserve to be the wife of a prince from Kadiri. Gusti Prince must promise to return home safely ", Gayatri said as she tightly embraced the body of the eldest son Prabu Jayengrana.

"Hey, you're not the only one expecting Kangmas Tejo Laksono to return home safely. I am also waiting for his return.

Basic sucks! Hugging as well as his eel in front of me", grumbled Ayu Ratna who was upset with the act of Gayatri.

Princess Tumenggung Sindupraja did not heed Ayu Ratna's words but stuck her tongue out at the Duke of Aghnibrata's daughter.

"Youyou...."

Seeing the attitude of Gayatri who mocked him, Ayu Ratna almost jumped towards Gayatri if Luh Jingga did not prevent it.

"Have Gusti Putri, just leave Gayatri like that. Be patient", said Luh Jingga calms Ayu Ratna.

"But he..."

Not finished Ayu Ratna's talk, Luh Jingga put her index finger in front of her lips.

"Sstttt...

Gusti Putri just be patient. After all, who will be the consort of Gusti Prince is Gusti Putri. So it is appropriate if Gusti Putri behaves like a queen of the future king" said Luh Jingga immediately. Hearing those words, Ayu Ratna immediately smiled widely. He was happy to hear Luh Jingga.

The night is getting late. The chirping of night birds is heard from the darkness of the night that covers the whole earth.

Morning before arriving at the Duchy of Kalingga Palace. That morning the frenzied preparation for the departure of Panji Tejo Laksono felt so heavy. Dozens of soldiers then scrambled to transport some goods onto a large sailing ship in the port of Halong.

As the sun began to briefly rise in the eastern sky, Panji Tejo Laksono and his followers began to leave the palace of the Duchy of Kalingga towards the port of Halong. All courtiers along with Duke Aghnibrata and Ayu Ratna also accompanied the departure of the young prince. Also Gayatri who is with Tumenggung Sindupraja.

"Gusti Prince, Prince,

Please take care of yourself during this journey. I pray that your journey will be safe until the destination and return safely without obstacles", said Duke Aghnibrata while respecting the Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Thank you for your prayers, Gusti Adipati. May Hyang Akarya Jagat always protect us all" Panji Tejo Laksono said with a faint smile.

Ayu Ratna immediately hugged Panji Tejo Laksono's body. The tears of the daughter of the Duchy of Kalingga immediately spilled from the corner of her beautiful eyes.

"Prince's Kangmas must return home safely. I await your arrival" Ayu Ratna said with tears in her eyes. Panji Tejo Laksono wiped the tears with both hands.

"I promise Dinda" Panji Tejo Laksono replied immediately.

One by one the crew of the jung began to board the large ship. Panji Tejo Laksono began to climb the stairs to the top of the jung ship followed by all his followers. Slowly the large ship moved out of Halong Harbor where the deliverymen were still standing at the port dock.

Gayatri was still staring at the large junks aboard the increasingly smaller Tejo Laksono Panji in the skyline. The eyes of the princess Tumenggung Sindupraja were swollen because it continued to tear from earlier.

"Of course, my daughter..

Pray that the journey of Gusti Prince Panji Tejo Laksono survived and immediately returned to this Jawadwipa Land. He's a true knight, who won't break a promise.

Let's go back to the palace of the Duchy of Kalingga. Tomorrow morning we go back to Kadiri" said Tumenggung Sindupraja while stroking Gayatri's head. They slowly left the port dock of Halong when the large yacht that was being boarded by Panji Tejo Laksono disappeared from view.

With 100 crew members and 50 personal guards of Panji Tejo Laksono including Luh Jingga, Tumenggung Ludaka, Tumenggung Rajegwesi and Demung Gumbreg, the large ship moved rapidly towards the northwest.

Rakryan Purusoma who became the captain of the ship, showed off his ability to set the large ship was traveling at high speed. A red flag with gold thread embroidered Candrakapala, which is mounted on the end of the mast of the ship, fluttered majestically in the wind.

The clear weather combined with the wind of the sea that blows makes their journey feel faster.

By nightfall, the big jung ship continued to move in the designated direction. Rakryan Purusoma marine knowledge is really reliable. By looking up at the shining star in the sky, he determined the direction of the great junkyard in his nahkodai.

After seven days of sailing across the ocean with almost no problems, the big jung ship arrived at the island of Tumasik which is at the southern end of the Malayan peninsula. Although they had met several times with sailors from Srivijaya and other Kingdoms, they could still appreciate each other.

At the large port of Pulau Tumasik, the huge junks soon docked to replenish their clean water stores.

"Gusti Prince, Prince,

If you want to go down just a walk, please be careful. Many criminals look like good people in this place" Rakryan Purusoma warned Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Thank you for your warning Uncle..

I just wanted to release the eye muscle strain after a week of just looking at the sea water.

Luh Orange,

Do you want to take a short walk with me?", Panji Tejo Laksono turned to look at Luh Jingga who was standing behind him.

"Of course Gusti Prince, the bored servant on the ship continued", replied Luh Jingga while nodding quickly.

"Gusti Prince, Prince,

I'm coming, huh? I am also bored in this ship" Demung Gumbreg said immediately.

Panji Tejo Laksono let out a long sigh. His intention is only a short walk but his followers actually want to come along. As a result, the Panji Tejo Laksono street was followed by ten of his personal bodyguards.

While waiting for the crew to fill the drinking water supply for them, Panji Tejo Laksono and his followers walked around the port of Tumasik.

A burly man with a headband of green silk cloth decorated with gold thread embroidery, well dressed with expensive materials typical of Tanah Malaya looks interested in staring at the beauty of Luh Jingga who looks so happy to be alone with Panji Tejo Laksono.

Followed by 10 of his bodyguards, the man who seemed to be a rich man or noble of the Land of Malaya immediately walked up to the entourage of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Excuse me, sir,

It seems that this master is not a bumiputera Pulau Tumasik? If you may know, where is this master from?", asked the burly man immediately. Panji Tejo Laksono immediately answered the question politely.

"Right, we came from the south sea on an island called Jawadwipa.

What's the matter, sir, with us?"