The Musafir
Travelers Without a Home
“No matter how quiet and desolate the path you pass, as long as the light continues to illuminate your soul, then you will be fine.”
Manten felt a bitterness. Can she cry now? Shedding unusual tears shed by a man? Mantian tasa no. Not now. Not for the moment.
***
AT MIDNIGHT, just before departure, the door of the Mantingan residence was knocked several times.
Mantingan and Cana who are still awake because they are doing energy training in agility just look at each other. Unasked, Cana got up from sitting with her to the door that was not far from her.
After the door was opened, the figure of Rama who despite his old age can still stand upright. Cana hurriedly let him inside and asked him if he should go.
“No need, Kana,” reply Rama with a quiet voice. “I also want to talk to you.”
Kana nodded slowly before sitting cross-legged beside Mantingan. Old man Rama was cross-legged in front of them.
“I'm sorry that I didn't stand welcoming Chairman ...” The mantel politely. He still continues to suck the energy in, which will be very troublesome if it is interrupted. The young man could not move much.
“Not why, I know the situation.” Still in a calm voice, Rama said, “you have been here for three months, and tomorrow is the day of the departure of the Angel of the North River, Cana, and Kina to the Kingdom of Champa. Supposedly, tomorrow is your last day here, right?”
The mantang nodded his head.
“What are your plans after they leave, Son Man?”
Faced with such a question, Mantingan let out a long breath. “I'll find Kembangmas, Chairman.”
“And what place would you call home.”
The mantel held his breath. The question turned into a revelation. How he realized he had no home.
“You are not thinking of settling here, Mantingan?”
The mantle shook slowly. “Forwardly, this is my destiny, Chief. If being a wandering swordsman can not have a single place that can be called home, then it is true.”
“Whatever man needs a home, Mantingan.” Said Rama solemnly. “Maybe now you have not understood it, but you will understand it someday. When that happens, remember that the gate of White Wind College is always open for you.”
The mantan just nodded his head in a sign of understanding. Rama turned to look at Kana and smiled.
“Let me ask, Kana, have you been able to control the power within?”
“Slightly can.” Kana nodded with a nervous grin.
“Then, maybe it's time ...”
Rama remained silent. The head of White Wind College enjoyed the look of a curious face from Kana even from Mantingan.
But despite being curious, Kana had no guts to interrupt Rama.
Kana's stunned. The mantel held his breath. Did Rama, as the chairman of the White Wind College, directly offer Kana to become a student at his college?
“Father of Chairman Rama,” said Kana later, “myself is completely inappropriate to be part of the supreme White Wind College.”
“Why is it called that?” rama asked in a calm voice.
“I have not devoted myself to this college at all.”
“Isn't that natural? You are not yet a disciple of White Wind College, for what are you devoted?” Rama smiled widely. “But after you become part of the college, it will be a problem if you are not filial.”
The coat smiled wryly. Given that there was almost no devotion given to the White Wind College, while this college had given so much to him.
“But Mr. Chairman, I will soon leave Javadvipa. Tomorrow is the day of my departure. After leaving, I was unable to devote myself to college.”
“It is inversely proportional to what you say, Cana. With yourself in Champa always making virtue, you will honor the name of the White Wind College there. Doesn't that way, this college will be famous until the other country?” Rama laughed again. “It can't even be done other colleges.”
“But, Mr. Chairman, I cannot guarantee that I will continue to make virtue in the land of Champa that is completely foreign to me.”
“Ya, indeed. One cannot guarantee his future, but one can prepare for his future. You cannot guarantee that you can always do good in the land of Champa, but you can begin to learn about virtue from now on. Isn't that right?”
Kana nodded back. Mantingan often said that to him. The future cannot be guaranteed, but it can be prepared.
“Alright, Mr. Chairman Rama. I am not someone who is talented, nor the best in science, but please accept me as your college student.” Kana said while lowering her head. He almost prostrated.
“Surely you are accepted, Cana. And never assume that you are not talented while you have not made a move.” Rama smiled. Pat Kana's back. Tell him to get up. “There are horses in the courtyard of the residence. The horse belongs to you and the books it carries.”
Cana got up quickly, and walked quickly to the outside door after saying goodbye. Mantingan and Rama were left in the room.
“Chairman, I know that is not what the real Chairman meant ...”
Rama laughed softly with his hoarse voice. “This time you are wrong, Mantingan. That's what I mean for real. I believe Kana will be like you. You must have seen it, right?”
The mantan smiled faintly and nodded his head. But he doesn't speak. It can't be sure.
“You already know that the next morning you and the North River Angel are leaving, right?”
“True, Chair.”
“Your journey will not lead to Tanjung Kalapa. It was too far, and too dangerous if it passed overland.”
The mantan nodded slowly. Besides being dangerous because it has to cross an area that many thieves, the trip will take a short time.
“You will be escorted through Mount Manik, Giri, to the northern tip of the Earth Sagandu. That's where you'll see the port of White Wind College,” he said. “Then with the supporting fleet from White Wind College, you will move west until you arrive at the coast of Tanjung Kalapa. From there, you will join the Tarumanagara.” combat fleet
Mantingan knows that in that way, travel time can be cut down quite a lot. Security can also be more assured, because no matter how many thieves in the ocean, there will be no more with thieves on land.
“Prepare yourself, Mantingan.” Rama spoke again. “But not only prepare to face the battle alone, be prepared to face farewell.”
