EVERNA Ring of Fire

APUKONDAO Part 2

Because her colleagues are still busy, exhausted and have not recovered properly from their injuries, Nirya who is the healthiest in her group is now the busiest.

After first recovering Arumi with healing magic, Nirya reviews Mora and Wiranata. Mora's wounds healed quickly. The woman then focused all her attention on restoring the health of Wiranata. Knowing Mora is actually Goddess Sasanda, Nirya decided not to bother them alone.

Nirya then treats Dhaka, as well as reveal their true mission. Dhaka was silent throughout the treatment. His gaze was only fixed on the little girl he had saved from the disaster, who was sitting trembling beside him.

Finally the little girl cried and shouted, "Brother brute! I hate brother!" He ran out of the treatment room.

"Dhaka's mind is the same as Lika's," Dhaka said in a flat tone, referring to the little girl's name. "Dhaka understood, the war in all of Antapada must end. The eruption of Tubar'e may have been unintentional. But that's the way many people's victims, including Lika's parents and maybe Lika too, if Dhaka doesn't help Lika."

Nirya lowered her head. "Yes, I also had time to think that there was no better way than this. All attempts to reach a ceasefire have failed, and all the people in Antapada are passing year after year in fear, which country will attack their country this time. They build up to then be destroyed again, and the casualties are far more numerous times than the victims of a volcanic eruption."

"What if you wait until there is a strong country that unites Antapada?"

"If every country weakens each other, there will be no country strong enough to appear as a unifier of Antapada. So, the only way is to put all the states down at once until they realize the only way to recover is to stop the war and re-establish good relations between countries. And the way it weakens is to make the volcanoes in the center of each country erupt at a time nearby. Well, if you don't think this way is good, do you have a better way than this?"

Dhaka was silent for a moment. He replied, "Now not yet. So, until the best way there is, Dhaka has to wait."

"So that's your answer yes" Nirya said as she finished her treatment, standing up and turning to leave the room. Then, as he stepped, he spoke without looking at Dhaka. "Please then. But remember, as we wait, more and more victims fall. More and more children like Lika and I are becoming orphans."

Nirya closed the door. There's no answer from inside.

\==oOo==

Three sailing ships carrying groups of refugees finally docked in Bumas, the nearest island to Sasanda Island.

Initially Nirya thought Wiranata and Mora would continue sailing to Danurah, the capital of the Kingdom of Rainusa. But apparently both of them decided to go down in Bumas.

The appearance of Wiranata is now very astonishing. His mustache and beard had been shaved very neatly, so that his face looked much younger and in accordance with his age, which is thirty years. He is very different from Prabu Narendra, the leader of Jayandra who is the same age as Arumi and his face seems softer than that dashing.

When explaining the intent of his decision, King Anak Agung Wiranata spoke with a resolute and authoritative tone, "Me and Mora must make sure that the refugees can live in their new homes. We will develop this small port town in Bumas into the first milestone of our struggle."

"But, what if King Bakangga knew about the base of this rebellion on Bumas Island? He will definitely deploy a large army to crush you!" Arumi who is a war senopati expressed her opinion.

"We have calculated carefully in the negotiations during the journey" replied Mora, who went from Dabongsang adviser and strategist to right-hand man, chief aide and future empress Wiranata. "Remember, among the refugees there are many criminals and former Dabongsang men, and I am a former Jawara Dua. Promise them full pardon and a good and decent life in society, surely a mighty and unexpected fighting force will be formed in Bumas."

Arumi. The determination of the king is too strong, will not be swayed by anything.

While Nirya was unceasingly dumbfounded. It turns out that during his time in detention, Wiranata and Mora had devised a plan and gathered supporters for future provisions. With this early and mature preparation, it seems that their struggle is not impossible.

Looking to the future, Nirya predicted things would happen about a year more than now. At that time, the Bakangga Army attacked Bumas Island. But they are framed and then repulsed by the "shadow troops" formed by Wiranata and Mora.

The incident then published the hope of the people of Rainusa that their true king was still alive and was pioneering the way back to Danurah. They secretly killed Bakangga who was hunting for pleasure. Hearing the news, Wiranata rushed to Danurah and was reappointed as King Rainusa. He ruled fairly with his consort, Mora Gggarai aka Dewi Sasanda.

Of course because Nirya is not a fortune teller, all her estimates are not necessarily going to come true. However, Mora and Wiranata's decision was unanimous and no one, including Nirya herself, would be able to shake him.

"Well, then we say goodbye first" said Wiranata. "But I'm sorry, I won't say 'good luck' for your mission, whatever it is. Let the Mahesha alone decide your fate and the outcome of your struggle."

"Yes, we can only continue forward until the end," Sthira responded with a sigh. Since Dhaka had told everything about the Ring of Fire Mission to Wiranata and Mora, Wiranata's reaction had been expected. It's okay if they don't support the "disaster bearers" as long as they don't become a hindrance.

Because of course the bloodshed in Pinissi will certainly harm all parties.

Suddenly Sthira thought of someone, then spoke to that person, "Lho Dhaka, aren't you going with King Wiranata? Didn't you serve him?"

"Yes, but Dhaka choose to come with you" replied the commodore. The expression on the face of the lizard is certainly not clear, his attitude is unpredictable.

"Don't following your lord mean you're also fighting for the Commodore Tribe?" ask Arumi.

"Yes, but Dhaka prefers to fight for peace throughout Antapada. Utah Bakangga, especially after knowing Dabongsang had collapsed would definitely make Rainusa weaker. Rainusa is vulnerable, neighboring countries will attack. So soften the neighboring countries first, make the mountains erupt first, then again help Wiranata."

Dhaka's answer made Nirya gasp. Perhaps the change in attitude of the stubborn demon was the thought of Wiranata and Mora. In other words, Dhaka was sent as a spy to watch over Sthira and his group. If the Sthira group violates its own mission objectives, even tends to support one particular country, the Komodorai whose physical strength exceeds that of Sthira will certainly act.

"So like it or not, Dhaka's coming with you." The Komodorai straightened his body until he looked tall and gigantic. It was as if he was putting pressure on anyone who saw him, let alone facing him.

Nirya so do not know whether to be happy or suspicious of his new partner. Recalling on their last conversation Dhaka clearly showed antipathy towards the struggle of Nirya, Sthira and Arumi. The girl shook her head alone. Suffice to think about the intention behind joining Dhaka komodorai in his group.

Nirya's eyes shifted and focused on the two lovebirds, Wiranata and Mora who climbed the sand beach of Bumas Island with light steps, occasionally jumping up and down. Lika, the disaster refugee little girl is coming with them. Later Lika will be recognized as the adopted child of Mora-Wira and get the position as Princess of the Kingdom of Rainusa.

Aih, can I be as happy as them? thought Nirya while looking towards that dashing swordsman from Kalingga.

Image source for Dhuraga residents: Asmat Tribe of DityARA's Blog.