
Ciptorogo reopened the pages of the book he was reading, watching him closely. His index finger became the reference for every sentence he read.
“This is explained, the stone is the heart of a star that died for millions of years ago, which then fell on earth, ” he said.
“BOMM!” Ciptorogo said with a hand that mimicked the huge explosion, leaving Sungsang Geni shocked at the manner of the Stoneman.
“Are there not many stars that fall every night, Uncle?” Resist Sungsang Geni, “Some people saw the shooting star, put together a palm, then ask for blessings to Sang Hyang Widhi.”
“Really, but everything is just common flammable stone, but the stars of coils are different.” Say Ciptorogo, then open the other sheet of paper.
“But this note mentions another theory that says the star of the stars is a tear from Goddess Laksmi who fell from heaven on earth, which then became a very hard cristal.” Ciptorogo read a new chapter in the book, “But despite the differences in origin, these two notes lead to the same thing. Strong stone capable of absorbing and storing heat.”
“And looking for master!” connect Sungsang Geni, replied Ciptorogo nod.
“So now, I will tell you the truth, Your Majesty.” Ciptorogo said, “I will not be able to fulfill your wishes, making a sword with this thing. No object can melt it.”
Ciptorogo took out a chisel tucked into his waist, he chose the largest and hardest-looking chisel, then tried to sculpt it on the tip of the rock that looked the most fragile.
Ting.ting.... “Look! now this stone is ruining my chisel eye.”
Sungsang Geni sighed, his face was lethargic, his hopes of having a weapon from this stone did not seem to go his way.
“Uncle! If you can just make the handle, I'm already very grateful.”
“Uncle King.” Said the boy behind him, “You didn't hear, there's nothing that can sculpt it, no fire that can melt it, you better just give up, Uncle.”
“But maybe they can do it..” said Ciptorogo.
“They, who do you mean, Uncle?” ask Sungsang Geni. Now there was hope adorning the face of the young man of the sun.
“Empu Pelak! Is a person who is the most powerful in making weapons, even one of the 5 highest level weapons is the result of his hands.” Ciptorogo stroked his mustache again, “Not, but 2 highest-level weapons, one of the swords he created reportedly from the bones of a dragon.”
“Where can I find that Empu, Uncle?” Sungsang Geni was getting excited to hear it.
“At Serpent Valley College.” Answer the little boy.
Sungsang Geni raised his eyebrows, not expecting the boy to be so smart, especially in the field of speaking.
“Cundiles!” Ciptorogo squinted his eyes at the boy, then shook his head hinting not to offend the new King.
“No problem uncle, so your name is Kundil?”
“True, Uncle King!”
“Hem...well it seems you're a smart boy. Do you want to be an advisor at Tombok Cliff, if you are willing you should start today you are more active in learning, because your position will be targeted by many people.” Sungsang Geni said as he scrambled the boy's hair.
Sikundil smiled cheerfully, then rushed to run downstairs, he shouted. “I will study hard, then collect your promise, uncle Raja.”
“Yang Mulia Geni, once again ma’af the behavior of our son. He's a little naughty..”
“No problem, anyway I am serious with my words just now.” Sungsang Geni smiled little, “ So uncle, Snake Valley college? Explain it?”
“Empu Pelak, indeed is in Serpent Valley College, one of the largest colleges at this time.a place far from Surasena, it may take 1 month for you to get there.” Ciptorogo began to explain.
“So she is your friend ?” Tanya Sungsang Geni, “Means..”.
“I come from the Serpent Valley college, but I prefer to stay in Surasena because my square does require me to be here,” continued Ciptorogo.
Sungsang Geni understood what Ciptorogo meant. By becoming a mason in Surasena, Ciptorogo would more easily sell his statue in the Port market to wealthy merchants, or the Royal family. At a price.
Ciptorogo then searched for several rolls of paper, then opened one of the trimmed ones. Sungsang Geni saw, Ciptorogo ruffled the item inside the barbed. Looks like looking for something.
After a long time, Ciptorogo thrust one object he picked up from inside the trim, as well as a roll of old paper.
“This is a map to the Snake Valley College, while this is my badge, use this badge! you will not be allowed to enter without identification from the Snake Valley. They do not accept guests from anywhere, including from Surasena.”
Sungsang Geni noticed the black badge with the masked cobra, there was writing in Sanskrit. Snake Valley. Sungsang Geni spelled the writing.
“Thank you uncle, you're so good with me. How do I repay your bud?”
“No need to thank, Your Majesty. Perhaps this is the will of Sang Hyang Widhi.”
Sungsang Geni nodded, then looked for something in his banja pocket, “I didn't bring anything, but wait a minute.” Sungsang Geni then wrote something on the paper and gave it to Ciptorogo. “If you need anything, go to Tombok Cliff immediately and show this paper to the soldiers there, they will help you.”
Ciptorogo nodded, before the young man finally returned to Surasena Palace. He had to rush through a lot of work before finally going towards the Snake Valley.
***
“Yes, Mahapatih, I'm back!” said Sungsang Geni, greeting Mahesa who still looks busy with a lot of paper.
Mahesa's forehead frowned, her eyes began to narrow with her jaw that looked hardened. “Looks like you're enjoying a beautiful day, His Excellency Sungsang Geni.”
“Don't be so Mahapatih, I do have a little business. Now I bring someone who will help you.” Sungsang Geni then patted his hands together.
A beautiful woman entered the room timidly. “Include him is Trim, Senopati Tombok Cliffs.”
Mahesh looked at the woman well, her face looking gracefully in harmony with the purple clothes she wore.
“Didn't all Tombok Cliffs have been executed yesterday?” mahesa asked in wonder.
“Not everything, Mahapatih. I ask King Lakuning Banyu to release Reerintih along with several other soldiers.” Answer Sungsang Geni, “Only worth forgiving.”
Unwitting Mahesa, Sungsang Geni had done a deal with Lakuning Banyu a few days ago. He asked Reintih to be released, and 30 other soldiers.
Lakuning Banyu had previously refused, but Sungsang Geni managed to convince the Surasena King, in return for a hundred thousand gold pieces.
“Listen to me, friend. We are new people in Tombok Cliff, do you think we will be accepted there without a fight?” Sungsang Geni explained the reason, “After all, Reerintih is a good girl, I'm sure she will help you a lot later.”
“Thank you Your Majesty, I promise I will not disappoint the life you have given.” Reintih bowed his head saluting Sungsang Geni.
“I'll go see King Lakuning Banyu, along with Dewangga. Tomorrow morning we will go to Tombok Cliff, by makeshift ship.” Sungsang Geni then gave a small smile towards Mahesa, a smile that had a lot of meaning, then hurried away leaving Reerintih and Mahesa.
“Ma’af His Highness Mahapatih, can I help you?” Wrestling still feels awkward facing Mahesa.
“Ehm...may compile these papers!” mahesa said, her voice raspy, her behavior even more awkward than Reerintih. ‘Damn it, why is my mood like this?’