The Musafir
Meeting Again with the Angel of the North River
WIDE STREET after the entrance gate of White Wind College if it can pass fifteen horses lined up. The pedestal of the road is not the ground, but the white brick that is almost free from dullness.
Some college students who saw Mantingan then menjura. Who is there who does not know the name and appearance of Mantingan? In addition to knowing him, they have also been rumored that Mantingan will come in the near future.
Mantingan and Cana several times faltered because they had to reply dozens of times. But let it be like that, because the beauty of any form if without hospitality remains useless.
The disciples of North River College have proven themselves that they managed to maintain their beauty and hospitality well.
It took how long until Mantingan and Kana arrived at the towering structure of dozens of fathoms.
A swordsman guarding there immediately asked Mantingan to follow him into the building. It is with these warriors that they will be directed towards the highest room in this building; the room of Chairman Rama.
It took a long time for Mantingan and Kana to reach the highest room. The door was opened without any suspicion.
***
“Child Man, welcome back.”
RAMA got up from his chair and approached Mantingan with his big smile. No matter how old the old man looked as the head of the big college, there was no hint of hospitality.
“Chairman Rama, I've missed you.”
Rama laughed while patting Mantingan's shoulder. “It was only a moment that I left you, you seemed to grow even bigger. Oh, is this Kana Kina's sister?”
The mantang nodded his head. “True, chairman. He is called Kana. And Kana, this old man is usually called Chairman Rama, he is the chairman of this college.”
Kana rode deeply with great honor. “Kana salutes Chairman Rama!”
“Welcome to White Wind College, Kana. Did you know that Kina, your sister, has been waiting for you since her first day? He is very worried about you, you better hurry to meet him.”
“Then, Chairman,” said Mantingan, “it looks like I should immediately meet the Angel of the North River and Kina.”
“It's best that way, they worry so much about you.” Chief Rama nodded his head once. “Pardon me for not being able to drive you, I have to make a list of needs for a cruise to Champa.”
“I don't think this is such a valuable person, Chairman. No need like that.” Mantingan singled out a smile that now became an awkward smile.
“Sore later only. Meet me at that lakeside teahouse. We will drink one or two cups there while I deliver the things I need to tell you.”
***
STILL IN the morning. In the courtyard of a large residence. Kana walked quickly, approaching Kina who was running towards her. They hugged tightly. Kina shed tears after enduring great anxiety for the past four days. Crying as much.
The laughing mantis saw them. How happy they are. And that's when the slack opened wide. The mantan only heard the sound of greatness, which was almost without sound! The mantan grabbed the hilt of his sword, but he felt he would not be able to quickly enough to dodge the incoming attack this time. Too late!
It was too late Mantingan, when he felt his body being held warm and tight. Then he saw the figure that held him dressed all white, with skin as white as his clothes. Black hair shaved along the waist.
It was known that the one who held it was the North River Angel and not the attacker who meant badly to him. But how caught off guard he was unable to notice the girl's presence!
“Brother, you left without saying goodbye to me. How can I not worry?” The North River Angel still seemed reluctant to take off his embrace.
“Didn't I write to you, sister? Did you not receive the letter?”
“Of course I accept it, Brother. But no matter how many times I read it, my worries don't disappear even just a little.”
The mantel could only smile awkwardly. What is there to worry about by the North River Angel, if what needs to be feared is the absence of Mantingan in his entourage?
It was only then that the Angel of the North River released his arms. Staring at Mantingan with a gaze that was extremely difficult to describe using words.
“I'm so glad you're here, Brother,” he said later. “But however, with your presence here, our farewell is getting closer.”
The mantingan began to understand the girl's gaze to him. How it actually contains deep sadness, unwillingness, and anxiety. The real view is still difficult to explain using words.
“We've known this since the beginning, Sisters.” The mantel said so. “We have known, that the meeting is the beginning of the farewell.”
The North River Angel lowered her gaze, then shook her head for a moment later. “Better we forget this. Come inside, I've cooked your favorite food and Kana.”
Mantingan raised his eyebrows and displayed a grinning smile. “Are you preparing this to welcome our arrival?”
The two walked lightly towards the residence. Kana had entered first after Kina had pulled her hand.
“Not really ...,” replied Angel Sungai Utara. “I don't know when you will arrive. But I have always cooked grilled fish with honey these past four days, in order to still be able to welcome your unexpected arrival.”
***
BIDADARI RIVERS Utara tells about his journey while eating together. The girl felt the Mantingan needed to know about it.
“We faced several groups of light level rogues, all of them can be completed very easily. We thought that this trip would be an easy one even in your absence, but then we found some stalkers who turned out to have been monitoring us for an attack after seeing the opportunity.
“That's how the first sudden attack was launched by five stalkers. When I saw the attack, I expected to kill some Taruma Ox Warriors because they were not ready to fight.
“But who would have thought, that before the five stalkers were suddenly struck by a shadow that instantly killed all five mercilessly. We did not have time to change the look on the face when we saw five bodies covered in blood lying in the middle of the road.”
The mantang nodded his head. “I was expecting it.”
The Champa girl frowned. “Is that shadow as powerful as you, Brother?”
Now Mantingan shakes. “Not. He's my friend, at least I consider him a friend.”
“Who is his name, Brother? He was very meritorious to our entourage, he not only broke the attacks of the stalkers.”
“Begukah ...” Mantingan muttered softly, “dia did not mention her name or nickname.”
