EVERNA Ring of Fire

HAMENTANE Part 4

The Mantikei Labih Palace in Hamentane could be one of the most amazing buildings in Antapada, at least for Nirya Panigara.

Nirya had been absent from seeing the royal palace of Swarnara in Ringidatu. The shape is the largest rumah gadang with a concave roof up to five layers. The edges of the walls and roof are gold plated, according to Swarnara's characteristics as the most gold producer in Antapada.

Nirya also once entered the palace complex in Wulantra, the capital of Jayandra. Instead of building as high as it seemed to claw the sky, the structure of the Wulantra Palace actually consists of buildings and pavilions one level, and a tower towering in the middle building.

The coverage of the Wulantra Palace complex is much wider than the Ringidatu Palace. Such a structure provides its own advantages, namely a tougher defense if the palace is attacked by enemy forces. The enemy will be confused as if trapped in a labyrinth.

Mantikei Labih can be considered as a combination of high-rise buildings in the style of Swarnara and covers a very large area such as the palace in Jayandra.

The three-stacked roof that houses each level of this palace makes the Mantikei appear larger and wider than the Ringidatu Palace in terms of buildings. Although not gold plated and seems rather gloomy, the Mantikei Palace holds its own majesty and history.

"You know, Nirya," Sthira continued. "This may be the only palace in the Antapada Peninsula that has never been entered, let alone controlled by foreign troops."

Nirya wanted to jump in amazement, but her entire body and nerves felt too tense for that. While continuing to walk, his gaze was only fixed on colorful patterns such as rainbow-sloped mountains that adorned all the roof support wood there.

In addition, at least six heavily armed soldiers stood on standby in each corner and hallway of the palace. Trained with great discipline, none of them turned to Sthira's entourage. They were just staring straight, standing straight with guns in hand.

Sthira did not speak anymore, because now they arrived at a large multicolored door on each edge.

The commander seemed to whisper a man into the big door. The sounds of a faint cry were heard from inside there.

The big door is back open. The man waved to the commander. The commander then walked in with the guards and entourage.

Nirya looked left and right. It seems that people wearing long clothes with colorful patterns and motifs typical of Kalingga sit lined up on stilts on the left-right balairung. Nirya assumed, the sixteen men seemed to be high officials on par with ministers and elders, state advisers.

The mostly wrinkled faces stared intently at Nirya's entourage with frowns. That's why Nirya captured the impression of either as a prisoner or a guest of the state, the presence of foreigners, let alone from the countries that are now at war with Kalingga is not liked in this palace.

Nirya's eyes were then fixed on the two most important figures occupying the throne on the highest stage of this hall. The man and woman both wore the most beautiful colorful clothes, as well as a tall crown full of colors, decorations and jewels.

Noble charisma like the great leader of a country seemed to suppress Nirya, making the girl with her colleagues kneel respectfully without being asked.

The King of Kalingga, Triawarman Taladjan stroked his green beard and said, "You are the ones who were arrested for plotting to ignite chaos in Hamentane. But you are just saying to face us. Wh-wh-what for? Explain it to us."

Sthira said, "Name of servant Sthira Tarunaga, former Officer of Kalingga. These were fellow servants, Nirya of Swarnara, Arumi of Jayandra and Dhaka of Rainusa."

"Then what do you want to say?"

"We are warriors acting in self-help, carrying out a noble mission to stop the war in Antapada."

"Stop the war?" Triawarman was about to denounce it by saying, "Are you guys able?" But what he said instead, "How could it be? How do you do it?"

Sthira again explained, "So far, we have challenged seven caretakers and managed to seize six occult characters. The cataclysmic eruption of the volcano succeeded in weakening Swarara, Jayandra, Dhuraga and Akhsar, even destroying Dabongsang, the city of criminals in the Rainusa region."

The sounds of bated breathing sounded. All the listeners in the hall were stunned, silent for a moment when they heard Sthira's description. Their dream would not have expected the disaster of volcanic eruptions can occur in a row, let alone the cause is the work of four desperate warriors.

Even Triawarman himself said stammeredly, "M-terrible! What's for... What is your purpose in triggering those disasters?"

Sthira gave a smile as she stood up, looking straight at the king. "Isn't it very clear? Of course to dedicate all of Antapada to Kalingga. The still strong Kalinga must emerge as the unifier of Antapada, helping the weakened countries to rise again. As a result, the Unitary State of Antapada would be a great power comparable to the Khor Empire, the Wushu Empire and other great lands. That's the only way."

Other than Nirya, everyone held their breath and then ragged, voicing shock instead of obstinacy. The words of Sthira were what Arumi and Dhaka feared. But now they can only be silent. The situation they are facing is indeed wrong, and this is the peak.

History will record Kalinga as the first land of all time to unite all of Antapada.

Surprisingly, the one who spoke up later was the woman who seemed much younger than the king sitting next to her. "Maybe your intentions are noble. The war in Antapada has been going on for too long. Drastically weakening warring countries will force them to seek peace and a truce."

Quietly stupefied Nirya's admiration for Empress Pirimata Thifala. Although not very beautiful, his accurate description of the rationale of the Mission of the Ring of Fire reflects his vast insight of thought. According to the description of Sthira in Nirya, it is precisely the charm of intelligence, not the beauty of the woman born with the name Thifala that has captivated Triawarman. The King of Kalinga edited the queen's daughter from Achsar and immediately bestowed the position of empress on her.

Pirimatha continued, "Because there are no volcanoes on Kalingga Island, you are out of your mind. There is a conflict between the four of you. Then there are your friends who are forced to betray, borrow the hands of Kalingga soldiers to capture supporters of the idea of Kalingga uniting Antapada. But finally the four of you are facing us here."

Nirya's cold sweat. The Pirimatha had dismantled almost all of their plans, revealing almost all of them. When Pirimatha whispered to her husband, Sthira, Arumi and Dhaka who were braver than Niryapun did not show the slightest sign of speaking up, let alone debating the empress.

So, based on input from Pirimatha, King Triawarman conveyed his decision. "After hearing enough of everything, I believe in your intentions and goals, the noble group of Sthira, for the good of all Antapada. But the way you achieved that goal is what I regret. In fact, even if bringing about a catastrophic streak was the only path to peace, I would never go through it."

Nirya gulped. His premonition said he would not like the words of the next king.

"So, after careful consideration, I, Triawarman, the Royal King of Kalingga decided not to accept the whole of Antapada. Especially as a gift from you, disaster bearers."

Pirimatha added, "Although Jayandra, Swarnara, Rainusa, Akhsar and Dhuraga are not weakened, Kalingga will still call for an end to the Great War of Antapada through peaceful and diplomatic means, however impossible that may be."

Nirya did not believe her hearing at all. Kalingga who has been known as the most war-favored country in Antapada instead chose to seek peace? When that is so, it would be nice. The mandate of Mpu Galahasin is fulfilled, the people of Antapada countries will be able to live peacefully. The dream of Sthira and Nirya to build a reasonable and happy family can be realized.

The word of Triawarman continues. "If you have been so meritorious in realizing the golden opportunity for the end of this war, you have committed the most heinous and unforgivable crime. That's why I, the King of Kalingga, punished the four of you, Nirya, Sthira, Arumi and Dhaka with the penalty of beheading. Guards, drag these four criminals out! Call the royal executioner to carry out his duties right now!"

All the hues of the spirit disappeared instantly from the face of Nirya. All this was beyond all his expectations, all his hopes.

The mission succeeded brilliantly, but had to lose lives.

If Nirya, Sthira, Arumi and Dhaka knew about the thoughts of the king and empress of the Kalingga rulers, they would not need to clash with each other and their fate would have to end here. Or perhaps, all these events are merely the destiny of the Mahesa, the determinant of cause and effect?

Nirya's group had broken the laws of nature and had almost carved out a new destiny. But the Mahesa instead puts people and unexpected facts, returning the balance of destiny to the right track.

In the end, it is the omnipotence of the Blessed One that triumphs and overcomes everything, including the destiny that comes from the will of man.

But no, Nirya does not accept her own destiny. As soon as possible he unsheathed his hidden twin kerambit. Even if he had to die, Nirya had to fight desperately, if necessary against the swaying of the entire royal army.

Arumi and Dhaka are also on standby. Perhaps it was fate that made the palace and the commander of the capture forces forget to hold the weapons of the two warriors before entering the throne hall.

However, there is something more alert. Suddenly the power within the lightning element radiated profusely from Sthira's entire body. As fast as lightning, Sthira moved until it looked like a bolt of lightning. The craziest thing, the figure of lightning instantly pierced through the body of its target, namely... King Triawarman Taladjan.

The king was wide at his last sigh. In his chest he planted the blades of the divine spears, Vajra. The perpetrator, Sthira, pulled the weapon and smiled triumphantly.

King Kalingga has died.

Pirimatha screamed hysterically, clawing at her own cheeks.

But Nirya was more hysterical. "Sthira!"

In that moment, two men were gone.

The reference image for the Pantikei Labih Palace in Kalingga is the Kadriah Palace from the time of the Pontianak Sultanate, West Kalimantan. Image source: Google.