The Musafir

Handing over the Book of Travel

“Everything went well, didn't it?”

CHITRA Anggini asked anxiously at Mantingan after seeing the young man come out with a less than pleasant face.

“There are many things to take care of, as soon as we go from here.” The mantan immediately signaled Chitra Anggini with the look in her eyes, which could instantly be interpreted by the girl as a sign of curiosity.

“Do not want to take a break while drinking, Son?” A middle-aged woman approached them while saying kindly. Indeed, the meeting place with the Dark Lord is in a tea shop as well as wine.

“He doesn't drink wine, Mother.” Chitra Anggini grinned widely while nudging the Mantingan beside him, but the young man did not respond well enough.

“We MUST leave here immediately.” Mantingan. Looking at Chitra Anggini so sharply.

“Ah, okay. If the two children were indeed in a hurry, then this old woman would not hold back any longer. Go now, and if you have time to visit again to this dilapidated store. May you be given safety until your destination!”

The mantel stepped away. Not giving a reply at all. Not even smiling. Chitra Anggini followed suit with a new assumption; the situation was not precarious, only Mantingan was angry. As important as it may be, it is not usual for the Mantingan to be proud of the person who has been friendly to him.

After they came out of the tavern and then walked on the quiet streets, Chitra Anggini asked, “What makes you so angry, Mantingan?”

The young man who was asked unfortunately did not reply. Just bluffing your jaw while continuing to move your legs quickly. Again Chitra Anggini asked the same question, but also with a little opposition. As if he had said he deserved to know. Inevitably, dislikes, Mantingan replied to his question, although that does not mean the answer.

“I can't explain it here, Chitra. Surely I will tell you everything, but I really can't do it now.” Mantingan tried to say it gently, although his eyes could not deny his anger.

“Then, calm your mind first.” Chitra Anggini squeezed the young man's shoulder, revealing a concerned smile. “My brother said that no matter how bad things are, don't get carried away by anger. However it is, anger will only bring misery.”

Mantingan let out a long breath while shaking his head slowly. “We have to move from Star Line Inn, tonight too.”

“That's an easy affair, but where to move?”

“Kotaraja Slum Settlement,” Mantingan replied. “That's the safest place we can stay for a while.”

Chitra Anggini looked hesitant for a moment, but a moment later nodded her head. “I understand.”

“I hope you don't feel burdened.” Mantingan continued while laughing softly, “during this I can only trouble you.”

“I dedicate my life to you, Mantingan. Wherever your feet go, that's where my feet go. Whatever you want, then that's what I'll do.”

The words made Mantingan stop stepping. His eyes glared directly at the beautiful face of Chitra Anggini. Trying to find signs of lies, or anything that might suggest that his words just now were not real. But very dear, Mantingan did not find it!

Only sheer sincerity appeared on Chitra Anggini's face. What a very holy sincerity. Strong sincerity is unshakable. Mantingan felt a haru bursting inside his chest.

However, Mantingan must realize that the oath Chitra Anggini is indeed excessive. Was it true that the woman was about to follow every step of the Mantingan, which was equally ready to face all those who were hostile towards the young man?

Death passed in front of Mantingan. Death can happen at any time unexpectedly. Perhaps to save himself, Mantingan was still capable, but it was impossible to protect Chitra Anggini anyway.

How an unyielding warrior sinks in regret. His life is a journey to find perfection pursued by fight after fight. Death is a very ordinary thing, so ordinary, that it no longer needs to be a discussion.

Swordsman will leave the old things as a learning to achieve the perfection of silat. The death of a friend, a relative, or even his own family is something that should not be regretted.

But can Mantingan think in such a way, whereas he is basically forced to become a swordsman?

“Your oath is too heavy, O Chitra Anggini whom I truly love.” Mantingan said after finishing his contemplation. “We are traveling companions, who, however, will help each other. You are not my servant, nor am I your servant. None of us can help without receiving help. All these sacrifices of yours I will repay someday.”

Instantly, the look on Chitra Anggini's face turned sad, which how to also slice Mantingan's mind. With a vibrating voice the girl said, “Be it true I can't keep following you?”

With a bitter smile, Mantingan nodded his head. “True. Once you've managed to obtain the Moon Sword Pair, we'll part ways. Isn't that the deal?”

For some reason, Chitra Anggini turned his face away from Mantingan. Her skin was flushed, her lips stammering.

How long had the girl gathered the courage to say that she wanted to follow Mantingan's odyssey, which was tantamount to devoting herself to him, but now it was only a rejection. Not as sweet as his shadow.

“It's not time we discussed this.”

Mantingan remembered that there are still many things that need to be conveyed to Chitra Anggini, including also about the Love Concert that they must follow. The sooner you arrive at Barisan Malam Inn, the better.

***

“It's a shame that we can no longer talk together over tea, Friend.”

RASHID shook his head regretfully. After receiving the entire manuscript of the Mantingan travel book that had been written, he also had to receive unpleasant news about the plan to move Mantan from the Barisan Bintang Inn. However, Rashid can understand that the decision is the best for now.

“I'll meet you as soon as I finish reading all of these ejection sheets,” Rashid continued.

“No need.” The mantle fluttered his arms. “It will be very difficult for you to find me in that place, let me meet you here.”

“That's easy stuff.” Rashid smiled broadly. “Say if you need my help, my friend.”

Manten shook his head and said that everything can be resolved properly. After a short conversation, Mantingan decided to leave Rashid's room. Of course the same means parting from the inn, because after that he and Chitra Anggini will immediately move towards Kotaraja Slum.

___

note:

Episodes of the month: 4/40