
Buyung and Cendana were on their way back to the palace. The two hoped to meet the Red Tiger by chance, and capture him alive. But if that does not happen, Buyung plans to discuss the matter further with Mahapatih and his younger siblings.
It took about five days to travel at full speed without obstacles to get to the city of Swargadwipa. Both have to use extra energy. Buyung can still do that without much difficulty, considering that only he has the weakest magic among others. But if the ability of his inner power can increase rapidly, the science of mastering the mind that he has is a rare science that is dangerous.
Unfortunately, Buyung did not have as much interest as his younger siblings to continue to increase energy and martial arts. Instead, Buyung prefers to enjoy everything around him, enjoy studying literature, learning art, and everything that is mind-processing.
The two continued to drive through the forest, through the countryside, across the river, up the hills, and occasionally they stopped to just recover their strength.
The river rocks
fish split the stream, though,
one day, there will be rocks slipping and fish dead.
O.. Who is the strongest of the three?
Every now and then Buyung chants a short verse, as he contemplates life, looks at nature, and solitude on each foliage that faithfully preserves life. The path of the warrior is the endless road to reach the door of death. It could be a swordsman likened to a river, or a fish in a river, or even a piece of rock in a river. Or, not all three.
“What does a mermaid think?” ask Cendana.
“Nothing. Just words. It's fun to have a lot of thoughts. Let's continue the journey if you're ready.” Buyung.
Sandalwood did not continue to ask. He has memorized the behavior of his brother who really likes to string words. “Good, brother, I'm ready from earlier.” Cendana. The two return to nature, wading through the day, through the night, welcoming the dawn.
####
At the palace, Jalu was distraught because his father called him. He does not like to listen to his father's plans to match him with Kumala's daughter. Reluctantly, Jalu walked towards the residence of his father and mother.
“Dad called me?” ask Jalu.
“Why didn't you come here after the attack?” Balarajasa asked in a slightly cold tone. “What busy are you in the army guesthouse until you can't get home?”
“I'm sorry, dad.” Jalu was speechless. It is difficult for him to find excuses, or cover up that he is avoiding a meeting with his father and mother that will lead to talk about his matchmaking.
“Since yesterday, Sri Maharaja asked about your situation. You're an adult, my son, you shouldn't be acting like this. I'll understand if you're still on an adventure. But now that you have a palace, can't you take your time for a moment?” Balarajasa.
Silence of a thousand languages. His heart raged and he felt even more chaotic after his father told him something.
“Now, you must face the Sri Maharaja. Don't go anywhere before you go to see him.” Balarajasa.
“But father, my whole life has never faced Sri Maharaja.” has not had time to finish his sentence, his father has cut off the conversation.
“Good dad, I'll be there.” Said Jalu. The young man who was full of thoughts finally left to face Sri Maharaja. His heart throttled because he had never spoken directly with the Sri Maharaja Srengenge Ireng who for himself, and for many people was a king full of mystery. He did not appear much and it is said that because of his power, he could finally become king.
Jalu arrived at the front area of the king's residence. He conveyed his meaning to the guard soldiers. Shortly thereafter, he was welcome in.
Jalu feels very clumsy. In front of him has been waiting for the figure of Sri Maharaja who still looks young and dashing even though he is the same age or might be older than Mahapatih Siung Tiger Beetles.
“Come, my son. You've been this big.” Srengenge king Ireng.
“Hamba salute, Sinuhun.” Said Jalu while making worship.
“In this room, you don't have to behave like that. Come here, and sit there.” Said the king.
Jalu according. He still doesn't know what to talk about. Heart's pounding. The figure of the king before him had an incredible charisma that made him not dare to look at him. Jalu admitted that the figure was indeed worthy of the title of king, the ruler of Swargadwipa.
“I heard from your uncle, your abilities improved greatly. It is appropriate that you have a position at your current age.” Said the king.
“Hamba still has a lot to learn, Sinuhun.” Answer Jalu. He wanted to tickle, but it was hard not to heed what the king would say. He hoped that the king would not discuss the affairs of a mate.
“I know, maybe your age still wants to wander, take a gander at the vastness of the world. Then of course I won't get in the way of that desire of yours. I was also once young like you, starting everything from emptiness. It's just that I told you, don't forget your parents and his hopes for you.”
“Of course, I will not forget.” Said Jalu.
“Actually, today I am not the one who wants to meet you. Your childhood friend is waiting for you at the Kaputren park. Come there goods for a moment.” Said the king. Jalu can not dodge. With a heavy heart he must obey the command of his king. He knew what the king meant was the daughter of Kumala. Only the image of the face of the daughter of Kumala can Jalu remember.
Jalu walked to the Kaputren park, where Kumala's daughter was sitting with her servants. When Jalu appeared, the princess told all the servants to leave.
“Hamba facing the Princess.” Jalu gives a formal respect and attitude.
“Come, kangmas Jalu. It's been a long time since we've met. Howareyou? Oh, don't be so stiff. Kangmas is not a warrior or royal errand boy.” Princess Kumala said.
Jalu really doesn't know what to do. His heart was so agitated, his meeting with the palace angel became a test of his determination as a faithful man with the simplicity presented by the figure of Niken. But he also has to keep his attitude. This kind of situation was much more difficult compared to fighting against demons.
“Good, princess. Servant is only clumsy because it has not met the princess.” Jalu said still with a respectful and polite attitude as he had to behave to the king's son.
“How are kangmas Jalu?” ask Princess Kumala.
“Hamba is in good shape, princess.” Answer Jalu.
“If possible, can the kakang call me nimas?” pinta princess Kumala.