The Musafir

Chitra Anggini in Suvarnadvipa

But what kind of group are they? Too many women were conversing, and too many rattles that seemed to come from the new sounding device sounded as the pedati swayed.

“Maybe ...”

At a glance, it occurred to him that this time was a group of puppet players, who were always filled with women and sound tools. However, Mantingan still can not confirm it really, considering also for whether the puppet cast group through a silent path that does not lead to human civilization?

Indeed, as Mantingan remembered, the road he passed did not lead anywhere but to the beach that intersected with Balian Valley. The road does not intersect with towns both small and large, although some times it has branches leading to small villages. However, for what would a large group of wayang players visit small villages that really need food rather than entertainment from them?

***

The TRUTH about the company will soon be known. However, the group was never considered as a threat that must be watched out with earnest, although he still applied a mediocre vigilance against all the possibilities that can occur with the group.

Now the voice of the group can be heard faintly even without using the Science of Hearing Dew Drops. But for Mantingan who still continues to apply the knowledge, then he can know the identity of the group with the translation of sound into form. There were still voices that he had heard before, but now very clearly, as if nothing could be clearer than him, including the conversation of the women in the group.

“It is impossible for me to do that, it is possible that your bracelet is tucked in the back pedati.”

“I've searched all over the pedati, but I didn't find the bracelet either. You guys ‘kan have been craving my bracelet since a long time.”

“Huh! Don't say it carelessly. Although I do like the bracelet, but it is impossible for me to dare to steal it. Maybe this is the curse that was inflicted on you, for not wanting to sell the bracelet to me.”

“Don't you carelessly say about curses. Anybody wants to curse a woman like me.”

“Then do not you recklessly accuse me without proof at all!”

“Who said? I have proof!”

“Lying! Say if you have one!”

“The proof is that you love my bracelet!”

“I do love it, but that doesn't mean I have to have it!”

“Eh, look at that! There's a young man!”

Instantly, the argument between the two women who were concerned about losing the bracelet stopped.

Although the Mantingan was closing its eyes, it knew how much they were looking at him.

“Sister, maybe we can ask him the way direction.”

The creaking of the wheels of the pedicure was no longer heard. It was certain that the group stopped.

“You wait here, let me ask you.” There was the voice of a woman who seemed to be more mature in age than the other women in the entourage.

“Let me alone. Brother does not have to bother tracking the muddy land.”

The forehead of the mantle crinkled when he heard this one voice. How he felt he had recognized the owner of that subtle and firm voice. So Mantingan was surprised not the reed of the braid when he decided to open his eyes and look towards the sound.

“Chitra, I always trouble you in various affairs. How many times have you come down from the pedati to replace me?”

That's how Mantingan saw Chitra Anggini who he had known for a long time that jumped down from the buffalo pedati he was originally riding before running small towards him.

Mantingan could hardly believe what his own eyes saw. How could Chitra Anggini be in Suvarnadvipa? Moreover, the young lady looked like a puppet player! The clothes he wears are very concise even though they are quite colorful. His chest was covered with bright green cloth, while the waist to the knee limit was made of patterned and patterned cloth. His belly that was the same color as the skin was left open, as if braving the wind to caress him. His black hair was curled up, looking as if it was intentionally exposing his clean tie neck without any injuries.

When it had arrived near Mantingan, the girl waved her hand.

“Brothers who are shepherding! Can Danger ask you?”

No matter how surprised Mantingan was, his short-sighted instinct was still running. He soon realized that Chitra Anggini was carrying out a disguise even though it was not clear his purpose and purpose, because the girl had behaved as if she did not know him at all.

Mantingan immediately nodded his head and replied that although he was quite nervous, “Saudari was about to ask what?”

The attitude Mantingan showed can certainly be considered as an agreement to ask, so Chitra Anggini stepped up to really stand right in front of Mantingan.

“Sahaya to ask directions to Balian Valley. Did you know?”

Not lost Mantingan shock caused by the appearance of Chitra Anggini, now he was increasingly surprised when he heard the name of Balian Valley mentioned, which is no other and no other residence of Tapa Balian!

“To what Sisters and entourage want to go there?” Mantingan decided to question it, because it could be considered natural.

Chitra Anggini seemed to be smiling widely as he blinked his eyes several times towards Mantingan. “We were ordered to entertain the soldiers - the Koying warriors who guarded the place.”

It was no longer a shocking thing about the existence of the Koying Kingdom warriors guarding the Balian Valley. Because after all, last time Tapa Balian had said that he was given a number of protections and resources after being willing to work under one of the noble families in Koying Kingdom. However, why would they order a large group of puppet players? If the guarding at that place was only up to ten to twenty people, it was quite impossible if they ordered a puppet cast that numbered in the hundreds.

So in order to get a definite answer, since this matter had concerned the salvation of the Balian Papa, Mantingan sent his question through the Science of Whispering the Wind. So that the content of the question will not be heard by the puppet cast group other than Chitra Anggini.

“Is this really you, Chitra?”

Chitra Anggini nodded his head without making the slightest sound. And of course, with his sweetest smile that however Mantingan knew only part of the charade. Chitra Anggini is not a smiling person.

“How many warriors are there guarding in Balian Valley?” Back The mantel sent whispers of wind.

Chitra Anggini rolled her eyes while snorting in annoyance. “Brother, why are you silent as a dvarapala statue? If you don't know the way, then just say it!”

“I know.” The mantel stood up after it finished saying that. “I also want to go to that place. Well, can I join your entourage? The trip to Balian Valley will still take another one to two days. It would be safer for me if you kindly invited me to join. In return, I'm willing to be a road guide for all of you.”

Chitra Anggini frowned with a questioning look. Can Mantingan see that the confusion of Chitra Anggini this time is not part of his charade, but really confused from the bottom of his mind.

“So, you're not a shepherd?”

Mantingan smiled nervously, if he did not think that the confusion of Chitra Anggini was caused by a problem that is not so important.

“I am a traveler.” The mantel answered confidently.