The Musafir

Conversation with Gandhi

PROTECTING THE EMPRESS, did Mantingan ever think this would happen in her life? Absolutely not!

Punawarman and his consort, Prameswari, are mentioned as Bhatara Vishnu and Dewi Laksmi. It is also said that their loneliness symbolizes the perfection of love. Together with Prameswari, Punawarman is considered perfect as the ruler of Tarumanagara. Prameswari's beauty is said to resemble a full moon in a clean sky. Speak soft and warm words in the ear. She was the daughter of King Agrabinta, a descendant of King Salakanagara.

It is appropriate if this trip is kept strictly confidential. But given that there has been betrayal of his entourage, it is possible that this trip has been known at least by the secret network of the martial world.

However, the journey of the empress and the journey of the Mantingan are two trips that are both kept secret. And both sides did not expect to meet each other.

That night, Prameswari was carried on a stretcher into the campground. Of course after giving a drop of his blood, as well as his guard soldiers, so as not to be hit by the bad effects of the Magic Throw installed. While the horse carriage is hidden in the forest and covered with bushes.

The next step is to remove the car's wheel. Two soldiers were sent to remove the wheel tracks as soon as possible using a makeshift tool to change the grass and leaves of the coconut.

The fire and all sources of light were forced to be turned off to hide their existence, so that no dinner was eaten.

Everything was done very quickly and quietly. The mantant must admit that the soldiers are not just any soldiers. Although he did not feel the flow of power in their bodies, but still could not reveal that they were trained soldiers. They can change plans and implement them quickly and precisely, they can also adjust to the environment around them as if they have known him for a long time.

The atmosphere of the night was completely quiet yet tense. All the soldiers were hiding behind shrubs and trees. No conversation since then. All were expected to be quiet until morning. The weakness of these troops is if they are attacked at night.

Then Mantingan can only hide behind the trees. Sometimes he looked at the end of the road, sometimes he saw the stars that lay in the night sky. Many questions were forced to be held by him.

Why would Anaj know the signs of White Wind College? Who has betrayed the queen? What happened in Sundapura to the extent that the empress had to be evacuated?

The atmosphere of Sundapura will certainly affect shipping activities in Kalapa Port. Is the departure of Bidadari Sungai Utara still certain safety and smoothness?

If only Sundapura had fallen into the hands of the enemy, then it is not impossible that all enemy attacks will be centered on Tanjung Kalapa as the second largest city after Sundapura. Either through sea attacks or land attacks. At that time, the security of all shipping in Sunda Kalapa could not be guaranteed. This is what Manting worries about.

***

MANTINGAN. Orange tampal sunburst in the eastern horizon. “Ground light,” murmur.

Then there was a shout, “Everything gathered!”

One by one the soldiers began to come out of hiding. They gathered near the queen's palanquin located not far from the tent of Bidadari Sungai Utara. The mantle also flashed down.

Jakawarman approached Mantingan and walked with him until they reached among the soldiers. They continued to stand there until it was confirmed that all the soldiers had gathered. Mantingan stared at a soldier who last night spoke to him. Presumably, he was the leader of this entourage.

“Good morning. The night we had passed, Gusti the Empress was in a safe state. This is also thanks to the hard work of all of you, valiant warriors. This morning rest for a while, later in the afternoon we continue the journey to Tanjung Kalapa. Some soldiers who are still strong, prepare breakfast for Gusti. Is there any question?”

The whole soldier remained silent. Some of them shakes. The leader of the entourage nodded once before saying, “Bubar!”

“Brother Mantingan,” said the leader of the entourage. “Include me, my name is Gandhi, my nickname is Ivory Elephant from Taruma. I am just an ordinary soldier, it is too late for me to live the lives of warriors. May I have a little time for you to talk for a while?”

“That's exactly what you expect, Brother Gandhi. Where can we start a conversation?” Mantingan nodded his head and smiled amiably.

“Wherever you can, Brother. But I suggest to just here, so that Gusti the Empress can also hear.”

Again the mantan nodded. Crossed his hands back.

“Sahaya initially wanted to ask, where is Brother Man aiming?”

“Sahaya aims to White Wind College, Brother.”

Gandhi nodded his head several times. “Hmm .. is it true that the Northern River Angel is with you?”

“True, Brother. Sahaya also brought two children named Kana and Kina who will be included in Champa by her.”

Gandhi again muttered briefly before saying, “This news has spread everywhere, but your journey is still unknown. Do you really not mind if our entourage is with you for a while even if it has bad dependents?”

“Sahaya has absolutely no objection, Brother, but is not the direction of our destination in conflict?”

“True. We are now at the northern end of Agrabinta. As far as I know, the White Wind School is located between the hills in the Mount Kubang region. Our destination is Tanjung Kalapa. Obviously this is contradictory, isn't it? We will walk west, Brother will walk east.”

“True, Brother. But why should you turn to Agrabinta when Sundapura and Tanjung Kalapa are actually next to each other?”

“Border is going on war, Brother. The western region of Sundapura has fallen into the hands of the enemy, we cannot pass that path.”

Again the mantan nodded. “Then, how are we next Brother? Pardon me, but it is rather impossible for me to turn the.” direction

Mantingan was telling the truth, no matter if the empress was listening to him.

“But, Brother ... if we don't get protection, I'm afraid something bad will happen to Gusti Empress.”

The mantel was silent for a moment. Immersed in his mind to look for problem solving. How difficult this business really is. Walking with the queen's entourage is not without danger, especially if you have to rotate the direction of the destination back to Cape Kalapa.

But refusing to protect the empress would also be bad. Of course the enemy's goal of targeting the empress was not to kill her, but to take her hostage. If that were to happen, then it was inconceivable how much the entire power of Taruma could be crippled!

“Sahaya wants to ask, which enemies are targeting the empress?”