The Bajang Child Swinging the Moon (97)
Maespati, which was hit by a drought a while ago, is now a fresh, fertile land, which in Javanese is called ijo royo-royo anjang tunjung lohjinawi.
It has been a while since the news of Senapati (warlord) Sumantri's victory spread in the Maespati kingdom. The people of Maespati were very happy to hear that. The clouds of sadness that surrounded Maespati has disappeared. The sky rejoices by becoming brighter and casting aside its clouds of darkness. Trees are getting greener. The rice fields are flooded with fresh water, and the rice is ripening. The rivers no longer dry up. Maespati, which was hit by a drought a while ago, is now a fresh, fertile land, which in Javanese is called ijo royo-royo anjang tunjung lohjinawi.
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The people of Maespati are very happy. They cannot wait to see the future empress of the Maespati kingdom, Kusuma Dewi Citrawati. Without being ordered, they prepare the party by themselves. The whole way to the palace is decorated with festive young coconut leaves. Banners are seen everywhere. In some places, beautiful kembar mayang (an ornament made of a pair of young coconut leaves) are installed to welcome the bride who will soon arrive. And the people of Maespati tell endless stories about their future queen, Dewi Citrawati, whose beauty exceeds that of an angel.
For the King of Maespati, both the arrival of Dewi Citrawati and the victory of Sumantri are reasons to be happy and cheerful.
Sri Baginda (His Majesty) Arjunasasrabahu is certainly very happy to hear and witness all of this. Like his people, he is impatient for the arrival of Dewi Citrawati. However, beyond that, he feels very happy and proud because he has heard of the brave actions of his young warlord, Bambang Sumantri. Even though they have been repeated many times, he never gets tired of listening to stories about the invincibility of Sumantri, who defeated the giant king of Widarba. He cannot wait anymore to see Sumantri, not just to thank him but also to express his pride. For the King of Maespati, both the arrival of Dewi Citrawati and the victory of Sumantri are reasons to be happy and cheerful.
Prabu Arjunasasrabahu has heard that the convoy of the Princess of Magada accompanied by eight hundred domas girls is approaching Maespati. Together with the people of Maespati, he is getting ready to welcome them. He cannot wait for it either. On that sunny day, he takes a walk in the palace gardens. The scorching sun subsides, and the swans are swimming happily in the lake, when His Majesty draws near to the shoreline. Not far from him, wungu flowers are seen blooming in circles in the temple where he prays. The King of Maespati steps there, and presents his offering of incense. The smoke of incense rises high, and the palace gardens of Maespati are full of fragrance. After finishing his worship, he turns around and sees that Patih Suroto is waiting for him.
"Paman [Uncle], I've been waiting for your arrival for a long time. I have heard all the news about the victory of Maespati's troops on the battlefield of Magada. I am happy when I imagine the bravery of Sumantri, who has defeated the King of Widarba. Where is he, Paman?” says Prabu Arjunasasrabahu with joy.
"Your Majesty, we have succeeded in bringing Dewi Citrawati for Your Majesty," says Patih Suroto. He wonders why his lord even wants to know about Sumantri instead of asking about the Princess of Magada who will become his empress. Didn't he order Sumantri just to get Dewi Citrawati for him?
"Thank you Paman. However, the country of Maespati should also rejoice in celebrating the services of their warlord, Sumantri, who is valiant.” Prabu Arjunasasrabahu seems not to care about the words of Patih Suroto.
"However, it is with a heavy heart that I must convey news that will not please Your Majesty, Sang Prabu," says Patih Suroto stammering.
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"Say it immediately, Paman Patih. What happened? Dewi Citrawati? Is she reluctant to become empress in Maespati?” asks Prabu Arjunasasrabahu impatiently.
"No, Your Majesty. I brings news about Sumantri. He asks Your Majesty to pick up Dewi Citrawati on the battlefield.” It is difficult for Patih Suroto to convey the news that is stifling his heart.
"What, Paman? Is Sumantri challenging me?” asks Prabu Arjunasasrabahu as if he cannot believe it.
"That's right, Your Majesty. It is unthinkable for me that to Your Majesty, Sumantri can be so disobedient. I could not have imagined the arrogance and superiority that has turned out to exist in his heart. He is very ungrateful to Your Majesty. His actions really insult Your Majesty, the lord of all of us. Let alone Your Majesty, I and all the people of Maespati certainly can't help but be angry at his behavior." Patih Suroto can no longer contain the irritation and anger in his heart.
"Paman Patih, come on, don't let yourself be angry. I will serve Sumantri's request," says Prabu Arjunasasrabahu patiently.
Patih Suroto does not think that his lord shows the slightest anger. His face still shows great calm and patience. "It is inappropriate for Your Majesty to face such an ignorant youth. Let me and the high-ranking officials of Maespati deal with it," Patih Suroto says angrily.
“Paman, you are no match for him. Have you forgotten, he has destroyed the powerful Prabu Darmawasesa?” interrupts King Arjunasasrabahu. "And remember, Paman, he doesn't know who I am at all. Nevertheless, he volunteers himself to be my warlord and takes the Princess of Magada for me. Rightfully, I should thank him. As a token of my gratitude, let me do what he asks.”
Truly, this king's patience is beyond his expectation. The king should be angry. Why should he relent instead?
Patih Suroto lowers his head. Truly, this king's patience is beyond his expectation. The king should be angry. Why should he relent instead?
"Never mind, Paman, let's go see Sumantri. I go to give thanks, not to fight. So I don't want to bring an army. I'll just go with you. Just take a chariot there," orders Prabu Arjunasasrabahu.
Without waiting long, the King of Maespati and Patih Suroto ride a pair of chariots to Gandapurnama. Their chariots are pulled by pairs of strong war horses and gallop fast. The chariots shoot by as though they are flying. The chariots run so fast that the trees they pass seem to be running with them. The leaves of the trees are blown by the speed of the carriages until they bend down like people who are bowing in respect. The carriages are getting faster and faster, shooting like lightning, until the asana flowers are startled to give respect. When they cross the river, the chariots seem to jump with their wheels touching the rapid current, and the water splashes against the pandanus trees on the riverbank. Why is nature moved to be beautiful, even though the chariots are heading to the battlefield? Is it because of the patience of a king who sees the battlefield like a garden of campaka flowers, where he will meet his beloved?
(This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo).